A surge in reports of mysterious drones flying over New Jersey and other parts of the eastern United States has led to heightened public curiosity and concern. State and federal officials, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and U.S. Senator Andy Kim, have joined the effort to uncover the drones' origins and purpose, with investigations underway by the FBI, Homeland Security, and other agencies.
While authorities emphasize that the drones do not currently pose a threat to public safety, calls for stricter drone regulations and potential measures to neutralize them are gaining traction.
Drone Sightings Spark Debate
The drone activity, which began in mid-November, has included sightings near sensitive locations such as the Picatinny Arsenal and Trump’s Bedminster golf course. Despite deploying advanced federal equipment, officials have made little progress in identifying the drones or their operators. Governor Murphy urged Congress to grant states more authority to address drone-related concerns.
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Public Safety Risks Under Scrutiny
National security officials, including White House spokesperson John Kirby, have stated there is no evidence that the drones pose public safety or security risks, suggesting many could be lawfully operated hobbyist drones or even mistaken celestial objects. However, over 5,000 tips have been reported to the FBI, with about 100 requiring further investigation.
Speculation and Arrests
Despite the lack of evidence connecting the drones to foreign powers, some lawmakers speculate they could be part of surveillance efforts by adversarial nations. However, Pentagon officials dismissed such theories, noting the drones' conspicuous nature.
In Boston, two men were arrested for flying a drone dangerously close to Logan Airport, while a third suspect remains at large. In Ohio, drones prompted the temporary closure of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base airspace, though no significant impacts were reported.
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Calls for Action
Frustration over the lack of answers has led to calls from some lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Chris Smith, to shoot down the drones for investigation. However, officials caution against such measures due to legal and safety implications.
Broader Concerns
Drone sightings have extended to New York City, where stricter regulations are in place. Governor Kathy Hochul has called on Congress to enhance the FAA’s authority and give local law enforcement greater powers to address the issue.
Authorities continue to investigate, but the source and intent of these mysterious drones remain unknown.