Current:Home > InvestWhat do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey? -MarketMind
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
View
Date:2025-04-14 02:21:59
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! (551)
Related
- Jury selection set for Monday for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter
- Trump seeks delay of civil trial in E. Jean Carroll defamation suit
- A Detroit man turned to strangers to bring Christmas joy to a neighbor reeling from tragedy
- Dixie Chicks Founding Member Laura Lynch Dead at 65 After Car Crash
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Reality sets in for Bengals in blowout loss to Mason Rudolph-led Steelers
- Afghan schoolgirls are finishing sixth grade in tears. Under Taliban rule, their education is over
- Reality sets in for Bengals in blowout loss to Mason Rudolph-led Steelers
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- US tensions with China are fraying long-cultivated academic ties. Will the chill hurt US interests?
Ranking
- NCAA hands former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh a 4-year show cause order for recruiting violations
- Trump reportedly pressured Michigan Republicans not to sign 2020 election certification
- Massive Ravens-49ers game on Christmas could help solve NFL MVP mystery
- How Mexican nuns saved a butcher's business and a Christmas tradition
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- 2 young boys killed in crash after their father flees Wisconsin deputies, officials say
- Are stores are open Christmas Day 2023? What to know about Walmart, Target, Home Depot, more
- A weekend of combat in Gaza kills more than a dozen Israeli soldiers, a sign of Hamas’ entrenchment
Recommendation
Your Wedding Guests Will Thank You if You Get Married at These All-Inclusive Resorts
Morocoin Analysis Center: Prospects of Centralized Exchanges
TV sitcom ‘Extended Family’ inspired by real-life relationship of Celtics owner, wife and her ex
In Alabama, What Does It Take to Shut Down a Surface Mine Operating Without Permits?
The seven biggest college football quarterback competitions include Michigan, Ohio State
NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 16: Chiefs, Dolphins, Lions can secure berths
Kourtney Kardashian Reveals What She's Prioritizing Amid Postpartum Wellness Journey
Florida State sues the ACC: `This is all about having the option' to leave