The mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey and surrounding areas, including Connecticut and Maryland, have sparked widespread concern among local residents, politicians, and law enforcement agencies. Reports of large, unidentified drones flying over critical infrastructure, military bases, and densely populated areas have escalated since mid-November 2024, with growing demands for federal intervention to uncover the origin and intent of these unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Key Drone Sightings and Incidents
New Jersey: The Epicenter of Drone Activity
The issue first surfaced on November 19, 2024, when police in Morris County, New Jersey, observed unusual drone activity at night. Since then:
- Drone Characteristics: The drones are described as large, car-sized objects flying in clusters, often illuminated with red, green, and white flashing lights.
- Locations Targeted: Sensitive sites such as reservoirs, railways, power plants, and military installations have been key areas of concern.
- Major Breaches: On December 3, drones reportedly breached airspace at the Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County, raising alarms about security vulnerabilities.
Connecticut and Maryland Reports
State officials in Connecticut and Maryland have also reported similar activity:
- Connecticut Senator Tony Hwang urged officials to remain “proactive, not reactive”, emphasizing the need for immediate action, even suggesting “shooting drones down” if necessary.
- In Maryland, former Governor Larry Hogan witnessed and recorded dozens of drones near his home in Davidsonville, highlighting their unusual patterns and extended flight times.
Social Media Evidence and Public Reaction
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos and eyewitness accounts of the drones. Users describe them as “loud,” “unusual,” and “erratic,” with some expressing frustration at the lack of transparency from government agencies.
Federal Response: Contradictory and Insufficient?
White House and Pentagon Statements
Despite increasing reports, federal agencies, including the Pentagon, FBI, and FAA, have downplayed the incidents:
- John Kirby, national security spokesperson, stated:“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat.”
- Kirby further claimed that many sightings were manned aircraft being operated lawfully, contradicting local accounts of drones violating restricted airspace.
FAA Action
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by:
- Implementing temporary flight restrictions over sensitive areas, including the Picatinny Arsenal military base and Bedminster Golf Club, a site associated with President-elect Donald Trump.
- Extending monitoring efforts in coordination with federal agencies.
Frustration Among State Leaders
State officials have criticized the federal response as dismissive and inadequate:
- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wrote to President Biden urging greater federal resources and coordination:“More resources are needed to fully understand what is behind this activity.”
- Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew suggested a potential link to foreign adversaries, specifically Iran, adding further urgency to the matter.
Public Safety and National Security Concerns
The persistent drone activity has raised critical concerns:
- Breach of Sensitive Sites: Drones reportedly flying near military bases, including Naval Weapons Station Earle, underscore security risks.
- Payload Uncertainty: Belleville, New Jersey, Mayor Michael Melham revealed that hazmat suits and bomb squads were recommended for fallen drones, as the possibility of a payload remains unclear.
- Lack of Transparency: Officials and residents alike are frustrated by the perceived lack of urgency and clarity from federal authorities.
Comparisons with International Incidents
Similar drone activity has been reported in Europe, with incidents near:
- US airbases in Ramstein, Germany
- British RAF bases, raising speculation about the potential for coordinated surveillance or other operations.
Calls for Immediate Action
Local and state leaders are now demanding decisive action:
- Enhanced Drone Detection Systems: Strengthening capabilities to track and identify drones from their point of origin.
- Proactive Measures: Connecticut’s Tony Hwang emphasized the need to shoot drones down if they pose a risk.
- Transparent Communication: Public officials, including Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, insist on clear answers, stating:“The people deserve answers about what the heck is going on.”
What’s Next?
As reports of unidentified mysterious drones continue to rise across New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maryland, pressure is mounting for federal agencies to act decisively.
- Will there be greater transparency from the White House and Pentagon?
- Will advanced drone countermeasures be implemented to protect sensitive infrastructure?
For now, the origin and intent of these drones remain shrouded in mystery, leaving residents, politicians, and law enforcement demanding answers and action to ensure public safety and national security.