In recent weeks, an unusual phenomenon has emerged in New Jersey, where residents have frequently observed what many believe to be large drones flying at night. The sightings, occurring predominantly in central and northern regions of the state since mid-November, have sparked concern among locals, who are sharing videos on social media and urging local and state officials for clarity.
In response, lawmakers from New Jersey and New York have reached out to key federal agencies—including the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—seeking immediate briefings about the situation. In a joint letter, Senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and Andy Kim expressed their deep concern regarding the ongoing unmanned aerial system (UAS) activity impacting their communities.
While local and state officials await further details, the DHS has stated that it remains unclear who is operating these drones, and confirmed that New Jersey’s own agencies are not involved. Investigations to identify the operators are underway, and while drones are generally required to have tracking capabilities, not all comply.
According to the FAA, any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered, and there are rigorous guidelines, including Remote Identification rules that act like a “digital license plate” for drones. However, some drones can be modified to evade tracking, which complicates matters further. Notably, the drones involved in these sightings are reportedly larger than typical commercial models, which raises questions as to why officials haven’t pinpointed their origins.
Despite rising apprehension, federal authorities have indicated that there are no credible threats associated with the noted drone sightings. John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, reiterated that they appear to be lawful manned aircraft rather than threatening drones. While some officials and residents remain skeptical of this assessment, there have been suggestions that many sightings could be misidentified general aviation or military aircraft.
For those witnessing unusual drone activity, the DHS advises reporting it to local police, highlighting that any attempt to capture or disable a drone is illegal, as it violates FAA regulations. The penalties for taking such actions can be severe, including hefty fines and potential imprisonment.
In conclusion, while the mystery surrounding the New Jersey drone sightings sparks concern and curiosity, officials are emphasizing the importance of gathering accurate information and urging the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity through proper channels. As investigations progress, it is hopeful that clarity will emerge, reassuring residents and lawmakers alike about the nature and purpose of these aerial mysteries.