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?
View
Date:2025-04-16 09:10:14
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! (93661)
Related
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- MBA 6: Operations and 25,000 roses
- Power company was 'substantial factor' in devastating Maui wildfires, lawsuit alleges
- Blind Side family accuses Michael Oher of shakedown try
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Behind the Scenes in the Senate, This Scientist Never Gave Up on Passing the Inflation Reduction Act. Now He’s Come Home to Minnesota
- Luke Combs announces 2024 US tour: All 25 dates on the Growin' Up and Gettin' Old Tour
- Police change account of fatal shooting by Philadelphia officer, saying driver was shot inside car
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Michigan State University plans to sell alcohol at four home football games
Ranking
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Britney Spears and Sam Asghari Break Up: Relive Every Piece of Their Romance
- Armed Utah man shot by FBI last week carried AR-15 in 2018 police encounter, records show
- Watch: Sam Kerr's goal for Australia equalizes World Cup semifinal before loss to England
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Appeals court upholds FDA's 2000 approval of abortion pill, but would allow some limits
- Who wants to fly over Taliban-held Afghanistan? New FAA rules allow it, but planes largely avoid it
- OCD is not that uncommon: Understand the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.
Recommendation
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming opens up about mental health toll of dementia caretaking
Everything Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt Have Said About Each Other Since Their 2005 Breakup
New gun analysis determines Alec Baldwin pulled trigger in 'Rust' shooting, prosecutors say
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
North Carolina GOP seeks to override governor’s veto of bill banning gender-affirming care for youth
Lauren London Pens Moving Message to Late Partner Nipsey Hussle on His Birthday
Mother drowns trying to save son at waterfall and father rescues another son trapped by boulders