Official declaration from New Jersey state government or Governor's office

FBI Probes "Very Sophisticated" Drones Over New Jersey; Officials Call for State of Emergency

Dec 10, 2024, 02:49 PM

In recent weeks, numerous sightings of mysterious, very sophisticated drones have been reported across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, including over sensitive sites such as Naval Weapons Station Earle and President-elect Donald Trump's Bedminster golf club. Residents and officials describe the drones as large, brightly lit objects that go dark when spotted, with some described as "car-sized" or forming clusters. The FBI and other federal agencies are investigating the drone activity, but FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler has stated, "We just don't know" who is operating them, calling the situation "concerning." New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called for federal assistance and reassured residents that while the drones are frustrating, they do not currently pose a known public safety threat. However, twenty-one mayors from Morris County, New Jersey, have sent a letter to Governor Murphy demanding action and transparency regarding the drone sightings, and State Senator Jon Bramnick has called for a "limited state of emergency" to ban all drones. Congressman Chris Smith has suggested shooting down one of the drones to determine its nature. In response to growing concerns, the House Homeland Security Committee held a hearing titled "Safeguarding the Homeland from Unmanned Aerial Systems" to address the emerging threats posed by drones.