Over the past month, a wave of mysterious drone sightings has unsettled residents in New Jersey and other states, prompting both public concern and government scrutiny. Despite numerous investigations, U.S. authorities have yet to provide conclusive answers, maintaining that the drones pose no immediate threat to public safety or national security.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed that the sightings involve both drones and manned aircraft often mistaken for drones. He emphasized there is “no foreign involvement” tied to these incidents. However, lawmakers and the public have criticized the lack of transparency and information regarding the sightings.
Reports of drones began on November 18 near sensitive locations in New Jersey, including the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research facility, and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Temporary flight restrictions have since been issued over these areas. Similar sightings have been reported in New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with incidents near critical infrastructure like airports and military bases.
Some encounters have led to operational disruptions. In New York, drone activity temporarily shut down Stewart Airfield, while Massachusetts authorities arrested two men for unsafe drone operations near Boston’s Logan International Airport. A drone detection system has been deployed in Connecticut to monitor activity near Groton and New London.
Theories surrounding the drones’ origins range from domestic hobbyists exploiting new laws permitting nighttime flights to potential foreign involvement, despite official denials. Speculation has linked the drones to state actors like China or Iran, although no evidence has surfaced to support these claims.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned drone operators of hefty fines and certificate revocations for unsafe practices. Meanwhile, calls for increased federal support and the deployment of detection systems grow louder as the mystery persists. As Senator Chuck Schumer and others push for action, the question remains: who is behind these enigmatic flights?