Governor Phil Murphy addressed the ongoing mystery surrounding sightings of drones over New Jersey that have persisted for several weeks. He confirmed that these drones possess advanced capabilities, including the ability to “go dark” when detected. This revelation comes amid increasing calls from lawmakers for a thorough investigation into the unusual aerial activity.
Since their initial observation over Morris County in mid-November, these suspicious unmanned aerial vehicles have prompted considerable concern among residents, who have voiced their frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the situation. Governor Murphy empathized with these concerns, stating that he understands why people are seeking answers.
“This is something we’re taking very seriously,” Murphy remarked, acknowledging the rising anxiety among community members. He noted that while there has been cooperation from federal authorities, more support is needed to address the public’s concerns.
Drones have been spotted traversing key infrastructure sites like reservoirs, power lines, and railroads, occasionally seen in groups, producing a humming sound, and hovering in residential areas. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has responded by implementing flight restrictions over critical locations, including Picatinny Arsenal, a military facility, and a golf course owned by President-elect Donald Trump.
Despite these encounters, Governor Murphy reassured residents that officials do not perceive a threat to public safety. “I don’t see any concern for public safety,” he stated, though he admitted it is “frustrating” not having more concrete information about the origin of the drones and their purpose.
On Sunday, reports of 49 sightings were noted, particularly in Hunterdon County, but Murphy acknowledged that some of these may have been misidentified as airplanes or counted multiple times. He spent much of the previous day at the White House discussing the matter, expressing hope for timely answers and encouraging citizens to continue reporting sightings to the FBI or local law enforcement.
As for rumors regarding drones crashing in private properties, Murphy clarified that no confirmed incidents have been substantiated and dismissed reports of “nefarious” drones. He recalled instances where supposed crashed drones were found to be non-threatening, such as a toy drone.
For those wishing to report drone activity, individuals can contact the FBI via their tip website or by phone, or reach out to local law enforcement.
This mysterious drone situation presents an opportunity for community engagement, as residents are encouraged to participate in reporting sightings, thereby contributing to a collective effort to understand this phenomenon. The incident highlights the importance of transparency and communication between authorities and the public during such unusual occurrences.