A series of unexplained drone sightings have emerged in New York and Philadelphia, coinciding with an ongoing investigation by the FBI into similar occurrences in New Jersey over the past month.
Since mid-November, residents from multiple counties within New Jersey have reported observing clusters of drones. These sightings have recently expanded to include areas in Pennsylvania and Staten Island in New York. Locals have been quick to document these unusual aerial activities, sharing videos online that seem to capture drones in flight.
Last week, the FBI’s Newark office announced it was taking these reports seriously and was appealing to the public for additional information. “Witnesses have spotted a cluster of what appear to be drones, as well as a possible fixed-wing aircraft,” noted the FBI. They revealed they have received multiple reports from both citizens and law enforcement dating back several weeks.
In response to these sightings, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has instituted temporary flight restrictions over specific areas, notably above Picatinny Arsenal military base and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. While the actual origin of the drones remains unclear, state officials have been monitoring the situation closely, assuring residents that there is currently no threat posed to public safety.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy indicated that he met with officials from the Department of Homeland Security along with local authorities to address the drone situation. “We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners,” he affirmed, clarifying that there is no known public threat.
The uncertainty surrounding the possible motivations and purposes of the drone activity has led to concerns within the local community. Recently, a group of 20 mayors from Morris County, New Jersey, sent a letter to the governor requesting a thorough investigation into the origins and intent behind the drones, emphasizing the need for better communication with residents and law enforcement.
The drone sightings have also sparked concern regarding their proximity to critical infrastructure. Police Chief Joseph Orlando of Florham Park highlighted that drones have been observed flying over essential facilities, such as water reservoirs and electric transmission lines. While he confirmed that, as of now, there is no evidence to indicate that these drones pose an imminent threat, their presence raises significant concern regarding public safety.
In light of these developments, authorities are encouraging residents to stay alert and report any drone sightings directly to the FBI. The situation remains fluid, but there is a concerted effort from local and federal agencies to understand and address the mystery of these drones.
This series of events serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges posed by technology in our airspace, while community leaders work collectively to ensure the safety and peace of mind of their constituents. It’s a hopeful indicator of how vigilance, communication, and collaboration between the public and authorities can lead to answers and resolutions in the face of uncertainty.