The situation with drones flying over New Jersey has garnered significant attention due to security concerns. Here's the latest update:
Sightings and Concerns
Since mid-November, numerous large drones have been observed at night across various counties in New Jersey, including near critical infrastructure like reservoirs, rail stations, and military bases such as Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle.
These drones have been described as significantly larger than typical hobbyist drones, with some reports noting them as the size of bicycles or small cars. This has raised alarms among residents, local officials, and federal authorities due to the potential for surveillance or other security threats.
Government Response
The federal response has been multifaceted. The FBI, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been investigating these sightings but has not found evidence that they pose a direct threat to national security or public safety.
However, they have acknowledged the situation as concerning and have deployed personnel and technology to investigate further. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed temporary flight restrictions over certain areas, like Picatinny Arsenal, to control drone activity.
Public and Official Reactions
There's been a mix of public frustration and official demand for more transparency and action.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called for additional federal resources to understand the drone activities better. Local officials and members of Congress have criticized the federal government's response, urging for clearer information and more decisive action against the drone incursions.
Some have even suggested shooting down the drones, though this has been met with caution due to legal and safety concerns.
Federal Statements
Officials from the White House have stated that many of these reported drone sightings could be misattributions, potentially being manned aircraft or other objects.
There's no evidence of foreign involvement at this point, but the situation has highlighted gaps in current regulations regarding drone operations.
Public Safety Assurance
Despite the mystery, authorities have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat, while acknowledging the need for vigilance and further investigation to understand the origin and purpose of these drones. They've encouraged the public to report any sightings or suspicious activities related to these drones to assist in the ongoing investigations.
This situation remains under active investigation, with federal, state, and local authorities working to resolve the mystery and ensure public safety.
