The skies over New Jersey and the broader eastern United States have become a focal point of intrigue and speculation, with numerous reports of mysterious drone sightings. These unidentified aerial vehicles (UAVs) have prompted investigations from various agencies and sparked public concern regarding their origin and purpose.
From concerned citizens to government officials, the question on everyone’s mind is: what are these drones? New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and U.S. Senator Andy Kim have actively engaged in seeking answers, even undertaking drone hunts to gather firsthand information. Federal entities like the FBI and Homeland Security, along with state police and other agencies, have launched investigations to understand the nature of these aerial phenomena.
While authorities, including Governor Murphy, have reassured the public that these drones do not currently appear to pose a direct threat to public safety, the persistent sightings have ignited calls for stricter regulations on unmanned aircraft operations. Lawmakers at both state and municipal levels are debating the need for enhanced control over who can operate drones and whether measures should be taken to intercept or neutralize them.
Unpacking the Drone Sightings Across New Jersey
Since mid-November, reports of drone activity have flooded in from across New Jersey. These sightings include sensitive locations such as the Picatinny Arsenal, a key military research and manufacturing facility, and even airspace above President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
Governor Murphy highlighted the deployment of federal government equipment aimed at gathering more information. While he acknowledged the advanced capabilities of this equipment, including the potential to “mitigate” drone activity, he noted that such actions are not currently legally sanctioned within U.S. airspace. Despite these efforts, concrete answers remain elusive. One Saturday saw a peak of 12 reported sightings, contrasting with just a single sighting the following Sunday, indicating an erratic pattern of activity. Governor Murphy has urged Congress to consider granting states greater authority to manage and respond to drone-related incidents.
Are These Drones a Threat to Public Safety?
The Biden administration is acutely aware of the rising public anxiety, particularly amplified by criticisms from the previous administration for a perceived lack of decisive action. In a White House-organized call with journalists, senior officials representing the FBI, Pentagon, Federal Aviation Administration, and other relevant agencies sought to allay public fears. Their collective message emphasized that, based on current assessments, the drones do not represent a national security or public safety threat and are not attributed to malicious foreign actors.
The White House further clarified that reviews of drone sighting reports indicate that many instances are likely attributed to lawfully operated manned aircraft, aligning with assessments from officials and drone technology experts. This suggests a degree of misidentification or heightened vigilance contributing to the perceived surge in drone sightings.
Identifying the Operators: Who is Behind the Controls?
A critical question remains unanswered: who is operating these drones? Despite ongoing investigations, authorities have not yet identified the operators nor their motives.
Both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have stated that they lack evidence suggesting a national security or public safety threat or any foreign government involvement. However, online speculation continues to thrive, with theories ranging from nefarious plots by foreign entities to domestic actors testing security measures.
U.S. Representative Chris Smith, a Republican, voiced concerns echoing these speculations, suggesting the drones’ sophisticated maneuvering could indicate a major military power testing U.S. defense capabilities, potentially by nations like Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea.
However, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder expressed skepticism regarding intelligence gathering as a primary motive, citing the drones’ conspicuous nature – being both loud and visually bright. He also noted the extensive drone presence in U.S. airspace, with approximately one million registered drones and about 8,000 in operation daily, suggesting the possibility of civilian or commercial drone activity being misconstrued. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh has confirmed that the aircraft are not U.S. military drones, further deepening the mystery surrounding their origin.
Drone Operations and Law Enforcement Actions
While the larger drone mystery persists, law enforcement has taken action in specific incidents. In Boston, police arrested two individuals for allegedly operating a drone in close proximity to Logan Airport on a Saturday night.
Utilizing drone monitoring technology, an officer detected the aircraft and located the operators. A third individual involved fled and remains at large. The arrested individuals face trespassing charges and potentially further charges and fines, highlighting the legal ramifications of unauthorized drone operation near critical infrastructure.
Airspace Closure at Ohio Air Force Base
Drone activity also impacted Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Base spokesperson Robert Purtiman reported that drones in the vicinity necessitated the closure of the base’s airspace for approximately four hours from late Friday into early Saturday.
This marked the first instance of drone sightings at the base, a major global air force hub. No subsequent sightings have been reported, and Purtiman confirmed that the incident did not affect base facilities. This event underscores the potential disruption drones can cause to sensitive airspace and military operations, regardless of their intent.
Calls for Decisive Action Against Unidentified Drones
Former President Trump has publicly stated his belief that the government possesses more information than it is disclosing and advocated for transparency or forceful intervention, suggesting, “Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” on his social media platform.
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut also echoed calls for drones to be “shot down,” reflecting a growing sentiment for more assertive measures. Representative Smith urged the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to bring down drones to enable physical examination and determine their origin and operators. He proposed controlled takedowns over the ocean or unpopulated land areas as potential strategies. “Why can’t we bag at least one of these drones and get to the bottom of it?” Smith questioned, emphasizing the need for tangible answers.
However, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden cautioned against public attempts to shoot down drones, emphasizing that such actions would violate state and federal laws, highlighting the complexities of civilian intervention.
Drone Sightings Extend to New York City and Beyond
The drone sightings are not confined to New Jersey. Reports have also emerged from New York City, where drone operation requires permits. Mayor Eric Adams confirmed ongoing investigations and collaboration with New Jersey and federal authorities to address the issue.
Further north, Stewart International Airport, approximately 60 miles north of New York City, experienced runway closures for about an hour on a Friday night due to drone activity, according to Governor Kathy Hochul. “This has gone too far,” she stated, calling on Congress to strengthen the FAA’s drone oversight and expand investigative authority for state and local law enforcement, indicating a growing demand for a more robust regulatory and enforcement framework.
Reports also indicate drone sightings extending beyond the immediate New Jersey-New York region. Near Virginia Beach, Virginia, unusual aircraft were observed near an Army National Guard facility. In Massachusetts, multiple drones were reported hovering over a home on Cape Cod, and similar activity was noted near a public safety complex in the same town, prompting FBI and Massachusetts State Police involvement.
The widespread nature of these sightings across multiple states underscores the scale and complexity of the drone mystery, suggesting a potentially coordinated or widespread phenomenon that demands a comprehensive and unified response from federal and state authorities. As investigations continue, the question “What Are The Drones?” remains unanswered, leaving communities and officials seeking clarity and solutions to this evolving aerial enigma.
