Current:Home > MarketsWhat do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey? -FundConnect
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
View
Date:2025-04-16 06:02:47
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! (53)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- An Oscar for 'The Elephant Whisperers' — a love story about people and pachyderms
- A roadblock to life-saving addiction treatment is gone. Now what?
- Solyndra Shakeout Seen as a Sign of Success for Wider Solar Market
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Girls in Texas could get birth control at federal clinics — until a dad sued
- With Tax Credit in Doubt, Wind Industry Ponders if It Can Stand on Its Own
- The Smiths Bassist Andy Rourke Dead at 59 After Cancer Battle
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Ethical concerns temper optimism about gene-editing for human diseases
Ranking
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Pack These Under $25 Amazon Products to Avoid Breaking Out on Vacation
- Federal judge in Texas hears case that could force a major abortion pill off market
- A months-long landfill fire in Alabama reveals waste regulation gaps
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Bindi Irwin is shining a light on this painful, underdiagnosed condition
- Rachel Bilson Baffled After Losing a Job Over Her Comments About Sex
- 21 Essentials For When You're On A Boat: Deck Shoes, Bikinis, Mineral Sunscreen & More
Recommendation
Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
Lowe’s, Walgreens Tackle Electric Car Charging Dilemma in the U.S.
Fracking Ban About to Become Law in Maryland
Staffer for Rep. Brad Finstad attacked at gunpoint after congressional baseball game
The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
Ravaged by Drought, a Honduran Village Faces a Choice: Pray for Rain or Migrate
Amid Doubts, Turkey Powers Ahead with Hydrogen Technologies
Opioids are devastating Cherokee families. The tribe has a $100 million plan to heal