In recent weeks, numerous unexplained drones have been spotted flying over various areas of New Jersey, raising questions about who launched them and why.
Although law enforcement officials and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have emphasized that drones do not seem to pose a threat to public safety, some state and local lawmakers have advocated for more stringent regulations about who is permitted to operate the unmanned aircraft.
Residents have been requested to report any footage, images, or other information they may have regarding the drones with the FBI, one of several investigative organizations.
In New Jersey, what have we seen?
Beginning in November, several of witnesses claimed to have seen drones in New Jersey.
The drones were initially seen flying along the picturesque Raritan River, which is located roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of New York City and supplies water to the state’s largest aquifer, Round Valley Reservoir.
Sightings of Butsoon were recorded around the state, including over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster and close to the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing site.
Recently, the planes have also been seen near the coast.
According to U.S. Representative Chris Smith, a Coast Guard commanding officer informed him that over the weekend, a dozen drones closely trailed a Coast Guard lifeboat in Ocean County, close to Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park.
Are drones a threat?
Governor Murphy has stated that the planes are not a threat, but he hasn’t offered any evidence to back up this claim.
According to Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who received a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security, the drones have grown as large as six feet in diameter and occasionally fly with their lights off. This is far bigger than those usually flown by drone enthusiasts, and according to her, they seem to evade detection by conventional means like radio and helicopter.
According to officials, some witnesses could not be seeing drones at all, but rather planes or helicopters.
The drones were sent by whom?
Officials said they have no idea who is operating the drones.
The sightings are being looked into by the FBI, Homeland Security, and state police. Authorities said they are unsure whether the numerous sightings are of a single drone or if several planes are being flown in unison.
Online, there has been a lot of speculation. Some people are worried that the drone or drones might be a part of a foreign agent’s evil scheme. Officials emphasize that there is no proof to back up those concerns, according to ongoing state and federal investigations.
Citing safety concerns, Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, both Republicans from the Jersey Shore, have urged the military to shoot down the drones.
The Pentagon said Wednesday that our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary.
Does New Jersey allow drones?
The flying of drones for recreational and commercial use is legal in New Jersey, but it is subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions.
FAA certification is required for operators.
Where else have you seen drones?
There have also been reports of sightings in Pennsylvania and New York, which are nearby.
Last month, drones were also observed in the United Kingdom.The U.S. Air Force saidseveral small unmanned aircraft were detected near four bases in England that are used by American forces.
The Associated Press, 2024. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. It is prohibited to publish, broadcast, rewrite, or redistribute this content without authorization.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!