In recent weeks, reports of unidentified drone activity across New Jersey have sparked widespread concern among residents and government officials, with sightings spreading across various counties and even neighboring states. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) has vowed to take the situation “deadly seriously,” as speculation mounts over the purpose and origins of the drones.
The Growing Wave of Sightings
The first reports of the drones surfaced last month, primarily in northern and central New Jersey’s Hunterdon and Morris counties. Since then, sightings have expanded to other areas, including the Jersey Shore, as well as northern and southern counties. According to witnesses, the drones range in size from “small cars” to “SUVs with blinking lights,” according to local authorities.
“These drones are apparently very sophisticated,” Gov. Murphy stated on Monday. “The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark.” He expressed particular concern over their potential proximity to critical infrastructure, including military and utility assets, and a residence of President-elect Joe Biden in the state.
Officials Push for Answers
The FBI’s Newark field office is investigating the sightings in coordination with New Jersey authorities. Last week, they urged the public to report any information regarding the drones flying along the Raritan River and elsewhere. The federal response also includes input from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, members of Congress, and the Department of Defense.
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has joined calls for transparency, writing in a letter to federal officials that the lack of information could fuel public fear. “Without transparency, rumors, fear, and misinformation will continue to spread,” Booker said.
White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby added that, at this point, there is no evidence to suggest the drones are linked to a foreign adversary.
Calls for State Action
Amid the uncertainty, Republican State Senator Jon Bramnick has called for a “limited state of emergency” to temporarily ban all drone activity until more information is provided to the public. “We do that in a snowstorm the day before the snow,” Bramnick said. “Here’s a situation where people [are] worried about drones flying over their houses, flying over military bases, and there seems to be no answers.”
Military Denial and Regional Spread
Speculation that the drones could be connected to military activity was dispelled by Lt. Col. Craig Bonham II of the Picatinny Arsenal military research center in Morris County. “We can confirm that they are not the result of any Picatinny Arsenal-related activities,” Bonham said in a statement.
Drone sightings have not been limited to New Jersey. Reports have emerged of similar activity in nearby Staten Island, as well as Philadelphia and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania.
Public and National Concerns
The sightings have stirred fears over privacy, security, and the potential for accidents. Gov. Murphy noted the state’s concern over protecting sensitive targets and ensuring public safety as investigations continue.
