Dozens of drone sightings have been reported in several states in the northeastern United States, beginning in New Jersey on November 18. The incidents have raised public safety and national security concerns among residents, politicians and public officials.
While public figures and officials have criticized the government for perceived inaction on the matter, residents have suggested taking action against the drones themselves. However, law enforcement agencies have warned them not to do so.
Residents have also claimed that the drones sometimes travel in clusters. Amid speculations and vague statements, people have not shied away from trying to solve the mystery themselves. The Facebook page, ‘New Jersey Mystery Drone – Let’s Solve It’, has gained nearly 62,000 members with people posting their own conspiracy theories.
Where was the drone seen?
The drones were first spotted on November 18 near the Raritan River in New Jersey. Since then, similar sightings have been reported in other parts of the state, including coastal areas.
Picatinny Arsenal, the US Army’s Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center, has reported sightings of such drones. So were people near President-elect Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster.
New York City also reported several drones flying over the Bronx on December 12. New York Stewart International Airport had runways. Temporarily closed After the drone was spotted on Friday night.
Larry Hogan, the former Republican governor of Maryland, claimed to have seen dozens of drones flying over his home in Davidsonville, about 40 kilometers from Washington DC. He criticized the lack of transparency in the government agencies saying that the interest of the people is increasing.
Residents and a police officer reported seeing 10-15 drones in Harwich, Massachusetts on Friday night, the Boston Herald reported. One resident claimed he saw SUV-sized drones flying around his home.
About 250 kilometers away, another family in Barrington, New Hampshire captured a similar scene on camera.
Police notified the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston FBI.
The Wall Street Journal reported that drones were seen near US military facilities in Virginia for 17 days. Drones were also spotted at US airbases – RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell – in the UK in late November, according to a US Air Force statement.
What are the theories behind the origin of drones?
Much has been speculated about the origin of drones. Representative Raja Krishnamurthy, a Democrat from the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, has suggested that the Chinese Communist Party may be involved, although the White House and the Pentagon have denied claims of any foreign involvement.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, Republican of New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District, suspected the items came from an Iranian ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The Pentagon has also rejected this claim.
What have the authorities said so far?
The White House has referred to drones as “manned aircraft,” which is consistent with claims by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
an FBI official told reporters The agency was working With over 50 local, state and federal partners to view grow reports. The official said that of the more than 5,000 reported sightings, less than 100 turned out to merit further investigation, and that all of the large static-ping reported sightings involved human aircraft.
National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said drones pose no known security threat and no drones have been reported in restricted airspace.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement that attributed the growing commercial use of drones. However, the FAA also warned that operators could face fines of up to $75,000 and the license to operate drones could be revoked if the drones are operated in controlled airspace and nearby sensitive locations.
An FAA official said the temporary ban on drone activity issued at the Picatinny Arsenal was set to expire Dec. 26 and could be made permanent. Another ban on Trump’s golf course in Bedminster was set to expire on December 20, but could be extended.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden urging local law enforcement to expand counter-drone technologies.
Amid the frenzy, New Jersey police are also warning of possible “copycats” after a small drone crashed in a homeowner’s backyard in Morris County, New Jersey.
Donald Trump says, ‘Shoot them
Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social on Friday that government officials know more about drone sightings. He added, “Let the people know, and now. Or shoot.”
Rep. Don Fantasia of New Jersey, a Republican, said the drones are up to 1.8 meters in diameter and appear to evade detection, contrary to Washington’s rhetoric.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green and August Fluger, both Republicans, wrote to the FBI, DHS and FAA demanding classified briefings on the matter.
On the other hand, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, is said to have received a classified briefing.
New Jersey senator Andy Kim spent Thursday night drone hunting in the state’s rural north and posted about it on X.
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