Widespread reports of mysterious drone sightings have gripped New Jersey since mid-November, prompting state officials to declare a state of emergency.
According to Mail Online, Government and security agencies are at odds over the origins of these drones, with no conclusive evidence pointing to foreign involvement.
The emergence of car-sized drones began appearing over New Jersey, hovering over important sites such as the US Army's Picatinny Arsenal and President-elect Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster. Sightings extended to crucial infrastructure like water reservoirs, electric lines, and rail stations, raising alarms over potential security threats.
The frequency and coordination of drone appearances have led to intense speculation and concern among local officials and residents. The drones, sometimes appearing in swarms, have been particularly active around police departments and have reportedly followed U.S. Coast Guard boats, adding to the mystery of their intent and origin.
With over 3,000 reports made to the FBI and the first notice to the FAA on November 18, the issue quickly escalated to national attention. The drones' presence has not only been confined to New Jersey, as similar activities have been noted around Staten Island, hinting at a larger scale of operations.
In response to these unsettling developments, Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew has suggested that these drones could be operating from an Iranian 'mothership,' a claim made without solid proof but reflective of the high tensions and suspicions surrounding these incidents.
Despite these claims, Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Sing has communicated a different narrative. "At this time we have no evidence that these activities are coming from a foreign entity or the work of an adversary," Sing stated, attempting to temper fears of an international conspiracy behind the drone activities.
Amid growing concerns, New Jersey Senator Jon Bramnick and several mayors from across the state have advocated for a drastic measure—a temporary ban on all drone flights within the state. "The State of New Jersey should issue a limited state of emergency banning all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings," Bramnick asserted, underlining the severity of the situation.
This proposition has received backing from various quarters concerned about public safety and the integrity of critical state infrastructure. Meanwhile, the White House, though monitoring the situation closely, remains cautious in its statements, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, "I cannot make any predictions," underscoring the uncertainty surrounding these incidents.
Residents like John Mastrogiovanni from the Bay Area report seeing these drones regularly, especially at night. "They are coming in from the ocean," he noted, which coincides with reports of drones tracking maritime movements.
Speculation about who might be controlling these drones has varied widely. Some officials like Representative Chris Smith have pointed at possible international culprits. "It could be Putin, Xi Jinping in China or the Middle East, we cannot rule any of that out," Smith said, highlighting the global anxiety these drone sightings have caused.
Meanwhile, the FBI remains prudently non-committal, with Assistant Director Robert Wheeler expressing the agency's predicament: "There is nothing known that would lead me to say that, but we just don’t know and that’s the concerning part."
As the state navigates this technological and possibly geopolitical puzzle, officials like New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasize taking the situation seriously. "This is something we're taking deadly seriously," Governor Murphy informed, adding, "I do not blame people for being frustrated," acknowledging the palpable public angst over the ongoing drone uncertainties.
This series of unexplained drone sightings has not only caused a stir among state and national safety agencies but has also deeply affected the communities overflown by these mysterious machines. With national security potentially at stake, the pressure mounts on federal and state authorities to unravel the origin and purpose of these drones swiftly and transparently.
If the situation persists, the impact on public trust and safety could scale significantly, resolving this aerial enigma a high priority for all agencies involved. As New Jersey faces this unprecedented situation, the collective gaze of the nation remains fixed on how this crisis will unfold and be managed in the days to come.
