Officials remain uncertain about the operators of recently spotted drones in New Jersey, leading to heightened concerns among residents. Since mid-November, sightings of what are believed to be large aerial drones have increased notably across central and northern parts of the state, prompting residents to share videos of the aircraft on social media and urging both local and state authorities to seek answers.
In response to the situation, lawmakers from New York and New Jersey have addressed letters to the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requesting an urgent briefing to address the rising unmanned aerial system (UAS) activity affecting their communities. The letter, signed by several senators including New York’s Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and New Jersey’s Cory Booker and Andy Kim, emphasizes the need for timely information regarding the investigations.
The DHS has stated that they currently do not have specific details about the drones or their operators, clarifying that New Jersey state agencies are not involved. The investigation continues, aided by the stipulation that any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA and can be tracked utilizing GPS technology. However, there are concerns about the capability to modify drones to become untraceable.
The FBI has communicated that there are no known specific threats associated with these sightings, echoing statements from the White House that much of what is reported as drone activity could potentially be attributed to licensed manned aircraft.
Mayor Sam Morris of Mine Hill has expressed skepticism regarding these claims, asserting that there is a tangible presence of these drones.
Legally, shooting down or capturing drones is ill-advised and could incur significant penalties under federal law. Drones must adhere to strict regulations that limit where they can be flown, with restrictions on flying over certain areas without special permissions.
Residents who observe potentially suspicious drone activity are advised to report it to local authorities or the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
While the current situation raises concerns for many, it is encouraging to see local and federal officials responding swiftly to investigate the issue. As technology continues to evolve, collaboration between agencies will hopefully lead to clarity and enhanced communication with the public as they work to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Summary: Recent sightings of large drones over central and northern New Jersey have sparked concern among residents and prompted officials to seek clarity from federal agencies. Lawmakers have requested urgent briefings on the matter, as investigations continue into the operators of the drones, with assurances that no specific threats have been identified. Legal restrictions around drone operation remain stringent, urging residents to report any suspicious activity.