A series of mysterious drone sightings has gripped New Jersey, leaving residents alarmed and officials scrambling for answers. The large, sophisticated drones—some described as car-sized—have been spotted nightly since mid-November, hovering in formations and displaying unusual flight patterns. Despite investigations by local, state, and federal authorities, the origin and purpose of these aerial vehicles remain unknown.
Widespread Sightings Spark Alarm
Residents across New Jersey have reported drones with blinking lights flying low and remaining stationary for hours. Witnesses claim the drones are significantly larger than typical recreational models, with some comparing their size to vehicles like the Honda Fit. Reports have come from Bergen County, Ocean County, and even near critical infrastructure such as the Picatinny Arsenal, a military weapons research facility, and President Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
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A particularly striking incident involved more than a dozen drones pursuing a Coast Guard lifeboat near Island Beach State Park. Congressman Chris Smith, who represents the area, described the situation as unprecedented, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this.”
Official Responses: More Questions Than Answers
Federal agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Pentagon, have been investigating but have yet to provide a definitive explanation. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated that the drones are neither U.S. military property nor believed to be controlled by foreign adversaries such as Iran or China. This directly contradicted claims by Congressman Jeff Van Drew, who speculated the drones could be Iranian spy technology launched from a mothership off the coast. The Pentagon has dismissed these allegations as baseless.
State officials, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, have urged calm but admitted that they, too, are in the dark. During a briefing, law enforcement and DHS officials revealed that the drones demonstrate advanced capabilities, such as evading detection by helicopters and police drones. “We are baffled,” admitted one high-ranking police source.
Technological Capabilities Raise Suspicions
The drones’ ability to stay airborne for up to seven hours and hover in place suggests technology far beyond standard civilian or commercial devices. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia highlighted their ability to operate undetected at times, adding, “These are not hobbyist drones.” Some residents and officials suspect that the military may be involved, with the Picatinny Arsenal being a focal point for conspiracy theories. Local mother and coach Melissa Pederson remarked, “I think the government knows exactly what they are.”
Public Frustration and Theories
Frustration among residents and lawmakers is growing. State Senator Doug Steinhardt criticized the lack of action and clarity from federal agencies, questioning their ability to track or disable the drones. “They keep saying there’s no threat, but they can’t find them,” he said.
Social media has fueled wild speculation, with some joking about alien abductions and others advocating for shooting down the drones. Videos of the sightings—blurry and dark—have only added to the mystery.
Calls for Action
Both Congressmen Smith and Van Drew have called for decisive action, with Van Drew even sending a letter to President Joe Biden requesting military intervention. Smith has urged the Pentagon to use capabilities at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to intercept and identify the drones. Local lawmakers have proposed stricter regulations on drone flights, with some suggesting a temporary statewide ban.
Despite the mounting pressure, federal agencies maintain there is no credible threat. The FBI continues to investigate, urging residents to report sightings and share evidence. However, the lack of answers is fueling suspicions that more information is being withheld.
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As sightings continue nightly, residents remain uneasy. While some, like James Edwards of Succasunna, call for patience, others demand transparency and swift action. “We need to wait and see what is really happening here,” Edwards cautioned.