In recent weeks, numerous reports of large aerial drones flying at night have emerged from central and northern New Jersey, creating unease among residents. Footage of these drones has circulated on social media, and the situation has prompted local and state officials to seek answers, leading to calls for federal oversight from lawmakers in New York and New Jersey.
A letter addressed to the FBI, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was sent by New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim. They expressed their urgent concern over the unidentified unmanned aerial systems (UAS) impacting communities and urged a timely briefing on the matter.
While officials are working to clarify the situation, the DHS has indicated that it currently remains unknown who is behind the drone operations, emphasizing that New Jersey state agencies are not involved. Acknowledging the ongoing federal investigation, there has been no information disclosed about the drones’ make or model, and authorities are exploring whether these aircraft comply with regulations regarding tracking capabilities.
In the United States, drones weighing over 0.55 pounds are required to be registered with the FAA, a standard that applies to approximately 800,000 drones nationwide. Under Remote Identification rules, these drones should broadcast their location, enabling monitoring by authorized personnel. However, it’s possible that some drones have been modified to evade detection.
The sightings, which are believed to involve larger drones, have raised questions as to why federal officials have not identified their source. However, authorities currently assess that there are no credible threats linked to these drone entities. John Kirby, a White House National Security Communications Advisor, reaffirmed this point, indicating that many reported sightings might actually be misidentified manned aircraft.
Local officials have expressed frustration with this assessment. Mine Hill Mayor Sam Morris challenged Kirby’s claims, inviting him to witness the drone activity firsthand.
The legal issues surrounding drones also complicate community responses. Shooting down or attempting to capture a drone could lead to significant legal repercussions, as these actions are prohibited under federal law, with violators potentially subject to hefty fines and imprisonment.
In light of the current situation, the DHS advises reporting any suspicious drone activity to local law enforcement agencies, emphasizing community engagement while federal investigations continue.
Overall, while the uncertainty surrounding the drone sightings understandably causes concern, it’s important to note that authorities are actively investigating the matter to ensure public safety and address community worries. As investigations proceed, residents may find comfort in knowing that both state and federal agencies are committed to unraveling this mystery.
Summary: Large drones have been sighted in New Jersey, prompting state officials to reach out to federal agencies for clarification. While the exact operators are unknown, there are currently no credible threats associated with the sightings, and authorities are investigating the situation diligently. Local concerns have been raised, but safety measures and legal frameworks remain in place to address drone activity. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious sightings.