Mystery Drones Swarm New Jersey Skies, Sparking Security Concerns
For weeks, residents across New Jersey have looked to the skies with growing unease as clusters of drones, some spanning up to six feet in diameter, have appeared at seemingly random locations. These sightings, coupled with the proximity of some incidents to sensitive military sites, have sparked investigation and concern at both the state and federal level.
Unexplained Sightings Raise Alarm Bells
The first reports emerged in mid-November near Morris County, with residents describing the drones hovering overhead, often in groups. The sightings quickly multiplied. One particularly unsettling occurrence involved drones appearing near the Picatinny Arsenal, a US military research facility. Another sighting, capturing national attention, occurred over former President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course. These incidents prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue temporary flight restrictions over these locations while fueling speculation and anxiety amongst New Jersey residents.
Official Investigations Hush Whispers of Foreign Intervention
New Jersey lawmakers, having received briefings from security officials, echoed public apprehensions while urging calm. While assurances have been given that there is no immediate threat to public safety, doubts linger. “There is a growing sense of uncertainty” among constituents, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) wrote in a letter to federal authorities. Booker emphasized the need for “greater transparency into this ongoing investigation.”
The Pentagon has forcefully denied theories suggesting a foreign entity or adversary could be behind the drones. Specifically, they refuted claims made by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) who alleged the drones originated from an Iranian “mothership” off the East Coast. Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh stated unequivocally, “There is not any truth to that. There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States.”
The FBI Seeks Answers from the Public
The FBI, in tandem with other federal agencies, is actively investigating the drones. The Newark field office has called upon the public for information, emphasizing a particular interest in sightings along the Raritan River. As the investigation continues, residents and officials alike grapple with unanswered questions. What is the purpose of these unmanned aerial vehicles? Who controls them? While the mystery deepens, the shadowy presence of these drones continues to cast a shadow over New Jersey’s skies.