Current:Home > FinanceWhat do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey? -SecurePath Capital
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Fastexy Exchange View
Date:2025-04-09 18:54:53
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! (84397)
Related
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- This week on Sunday Morning (October 22)
- Georgia prison escapees still on the lam after fleeing Bibb County facility: What to know
- No gun, no car, no living witnesses against man charged in Tupac Shakur killing, defense lawyer says
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- How does Google passkey work? Kiss your passwords goodbye with this new tool
- Hilarie Burton Defends Sophia Bush After Erin Foster Alleges She Cheated With Chad Michael Murray
- Case dropped against North Dakota mother in baby’s death
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Man gets 13-year sentence for stabbings on Rail Runner train in Albuquerque
Ranking
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- The White House details its $105 billion funding request for Israel, Ukraine, the border and more
- Barbie no party? Union lists Halloween costumes prohibited for striking actors
- Costco hotdogs, rotisserie chicken, self-checkout: What changed under exiting CEO Jelinek
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Russian-American journalist detained in Russia, the second such move there this year
- North West Shares Dyslexia Diagnosis During Live Chat With Mom Kim Kardashian
- U.S. winter outlook: Wetter South, warmer North and more potential climate extremes, NOAA says
Recommendation
Travis Hunter, the 2
California Sen. Laphonza Butler, who replaced Dianne Feinstein, won't seek a full term in 2024
Five U.S. bars make World's 50 Best Bars list, three of them in New York City
Lionel Messi could play in Inter Miami's season finale at Charlotte FC on Saturday
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Misinformation & uninformed comments are clogging war coverage; plus, Tupac's legacy
Britney Spears' abortion comments spark talk about men's role in reproductive health care
37 people connected to a deadly prison-based Mississippi gang have been convicted, prosecutors say