Current:Home > FinanceWhat do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey? -Capitatum
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Oliver James Montgomery View
Date:2025-04-06 12:14:11
A large number of mysterious droneshave been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, sparking speculation and concern over who sent them and why.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety,but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft.
The FBI is among several agencies investigating, and it has asked residents to share videos, photos and other information they may have about the drones.
What has been seen in New Jersey?
Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones in New Jersey starting in November.
At first, the drones were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of New York City.
But soon sightings were reportedstatewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
The aircraft have also recently been spotted in coastal areas.
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said a Coast Guard commanding officer told him a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend.
Are these drones dangerous?
Gov. Murphy has said the aircraft do not pose a threat, but has not provided any details to support this.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security, said the reported drones have been up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes travel with their lights switched off. This is much larger than those typically flown by drone hobbyists and she said they appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio.
Officials say some witnesses may actually be seeing planes or helicopters rather than drones.
Who sent the drones?
Authorities say they do not know who is behind the drones.
The FBI, Homeland Security and state police are investigating the sightings. Authorities say they don’t know if it is one drone that has been spotted many times or if there are multiple aircraft being flown in a coordinated effort.
Speculation has raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drone or drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents. Officials stress that ongoing state and federal investigations have found no evidence to support those fears.
Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones, citing safety concerns.
The Pentagon said Wednesday that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary.”
Are drones allowed in New Jersey?
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.
Operators must be FAA certified.
Have drones been spotted anywhere else?
Sightings also have been reported in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.
Drones were also spotted last month in the U.K. The U.S. Air Force saidseveral small unmanned aircraft were detected near four bases in England that are used by American forces.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
veryGood! (255)
Related
- Residents in Alaska capital clean up swamped homes after an ice dam burst and unleashed a flood
- Vermont police find a dead woman in a container on river sandbar
- Breaking down USWNT Gold Cup roster: No Alex Morgan. Mallory Swanson begins comeback
- Man detained after scaling exterior of massive Sphere venue near the Las Vegas Strip
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Henry Fambrough, last surviving original member of The Spinners, dies at 85
- Taylor Swift, fans overjoyed as Eras Tour resumes in Tokyo
- How a grieving mother tried to ‘build a bridge’ with the militant convicted in her son’s murder
- FBI: California woman brought sword, whip and other weapons into Capitol during Jan. 6 riot
- Mass. FedEx driver gets 6-day prison sentence for selling guns stolen from packages
Ranking
- 9/11 hearings at Guantanamo Bay in upheaval after surprise order by US defense chief
- Ignitable cakes, sweatshirts and more. Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift gear flies off store shelves
- NFL’s first Super Bowl in Las Vegas has plenty of storylines plus an interesting football matchup
- A Georgia sheriff’s deputy was killed in a wreck while responding to a call
- Clay Aiken's son Parker, 15, makes his TV debut, looks like his father's twin
- Quinta Brunson on 'emotional' Emmy speech, taking chances in 'Abbott Elementary' Season 3
- Disney to invest $1.5 billion in ‘Fortnite’ maker Epic Games to create games, entertainment
- Russian court orders arrest of bestselling writer after he was pranked into expressing support for Ukraine on phone call
Recommendation
Sonya Massey's family keeps eyes on 'full justice' one month after shooting
North West sings and raps in dad Ye's new video with Ty Dolla $ign
Satellite images show scale of Chile deadly wildfires, destroyed neighborhoods
CPKC railroad lags peers in offering sick time and now some dispatchers will have to forfeit it
USA women's basketball live updates at Olympics: Start time vs Nigeria, how to watch
Fall in Love With His & Hers Fragrances for Valentine’s Day
Top Rated & Best-Selling Mascara Primers That Deliver Thicker, Fuller Lashes
Taylor Swift, fans overjoyed as Eras Tour resumes in Tokyo