In recent weeks, New Jersey’s night skies have been punctuated by mysterious drone sightings, leaving residents and officials alike searching for answers. These unidentified flying objects, described as larger and louder than typical hobbyist drones, have been observed hovering over various locations, including sensitive sites such as the Picatinny Arsenal military research facility and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
Surge in Sightings
The mysterious aerial phenomenon sightings in New Jersey began in mid-November 2024, with the first confirmed sighting occurring on November 13 near Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility. Since then, the number of reported sightings has surged across the state, starting in Morris and Hunterdon counties and spreading to over a dozen counties in New Jersey.
These aircraft of unknown origin have been observed flying over critical infrastructure, raising significant security concerns. Picatinny Arsenal alone has had at least 11 confirmed sightings. Other sites include President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, water reservoirs, electrical transmission lines, police stations, and train depots. Governor Phil Murphy noted that on one particularly active night, nearly 50 sightings were reported.
The activity isn’t confined to New Jersey alone. Sightings have expanded to areas in New York City, Staten Island, and even the Philadelphia region. The frequency of sightings has also increased, with drones being observed nightly for several weeks, leaving both residents and officials puzzled and concerned.
These drones are described as being much larger than typical hobby drones. Some witnesses have compared their size to bicycles or small vehicles, with certain reports indicating they could be as large as six feet in diameter. The other night, Fox News reported them as being SUV-sized. It seems they keep growing. Operating mostly at night, these drones are sometimes observed flying with their lights off, and they appear to be capable of evading traditional detection methods of close surveillance.
As you might imagine, the surge in sightings has prompted investigations by local law enforcement, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. Although officials have stated there is no immediate threat to public safety, the lack of clear information about the drones’ origins and purpose has left local authorities and residents increasingly frustrated. For now, the mystery remains unsolved, and the skies over New Jersey continue to draw curious eyes and uneasy speculation.
Here is a question for you, dear reader. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, and this popped into my mind right away: If the government doesn’t know what they are, how do they know they pose no threat to public safety? Riddle me that.
In recent weeks, New Jersey’s night skies have been punctuated by mysterious drone sightings, leaving residents and officials alike searching for answers. These unidentified flying objects, described as larger and louder than typical hobbyist drones, have been observed hovering over various locations, including sensitive sites such as the Picatinny Arsenal military research facility and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
Surge in Sightings
The mysterious aerial phenomenon sightings in New Jersey began in mid-November 2024, with the first confirmed sighting occurring on November 13 near Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility. Since then, the number of reported sightings has surged across the state, starting in Morris and Hunterdon counties and spreading to over a dozen counties in New Jersey.
These aircraft of unknown origin have been observed flying over critical infrastructure, raising significant security concerns. Picatinny Arsenal alone has had at least 11 confirmed sightings. Other sites include President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, water reservoirs, electrical transmission lines, police stations, and train depots. Governor Phil Murphy noted that on one particularly active night, nearly 50 sightings were reported.
The activity isn’t confined to New Jersey alone. Sightings have expanded to areas in New York City, Staten Island, and even the Philadelphia region. The frequency of sightings has also increased, with drones being observed nightly for several weeks, leaving both residents and officials puzzled and concerned.
These drones are described as being much larger than typical hobby drones. Some witnesses have compared their size to bicycles or small vehicles, with certain reports indicating they could be as large as six feet in diameter. The other night, Fox News reported them as being SUV-sized. It seems they keep growing. Operating mostly at night, these drones are sometimes observed flying with their lights off, and they appear to be capable of evading traditional detection methods of close surveillance.
As you might imagine, the surge in sightings has prompted investigations by local law enforcement, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. Although officials have stated there is no immediate threat to public safety, the lack of clear information about the drones’ origins and purpose has left local authorities and residents increasingly frustrated. For now, the mystery remains unsolved, and the skies over New Jersey continue to draw curious eyes and uneasy speculation.
Here is a question for you, dear reader. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed, and this popped into my mind right away: If the government doesn’t know what they are, how do they know they pose no threat to public safety? Riddle me that.
Congressman Suggests an Iranian Connection
Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) spoke to Fox News on December 11, 2024, about the mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey, making several bold and controversial claims.
According to Van Drew, “very high sources” and “very qualified sources” informed him that Iran had launched a “mothership” about a month ago. He alleged that this mothership, stationed off the East Coast of the United States, is responsible for the ongoing drone sightings. Van Drew further claimed that Iran had struck a deal with China to purchase drones, motherships, and advanced technology to carry out these operations.
The congressman did not mince words during the interview. He called for the drones to be shot down immediately, regardless of their origin, and stated that the U.S. military is “on alert” as investigations continue. Van Drew shared a video of his interview on social media, labeling the situation a “national security crisis” and pressing for decisive action.
However, Van Drew’s claims have been met with skepticism and pushback from other officials. The Department of Defense outright denied the existence of an Iranian ship or mothership launching drones off the U.S. coast. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s office also pointed to the Pentagon’s statements, reinforcing that there is no evidence to support Van Drew’s allegations.
In response to the criticism, Van Drew doubled down, accusing officials of showing “weakness and stupidity” for dismissing his concerns. He defended his position by arguing that the sophistication of the drones rules out the possibility of hobbyists or commercial operators being behind them. Despite the conflicting narratives, the mystery of New Jersey’s drone sightings continues to fuel debates and concerns about national security.
Ok, this is Guy again, breaking the fourth wall to insert my thoughts and opinions. The way I see it, there are only two possible ways to look at his statement:
- What he is saying is true, and he is brave enough to bring the truth to the people. We should demand that the government take immediate action based on what they know, or
- This guy is totally fucking nuts, and we should catch him with a large butterfly net and take him to the nearest funny farm.
Pentagon Denies Claims
Unsurprisingly, the Pentagon swiftly refuted Congressman Van Drew’s claims.
Deputy Defense Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated unequivocally, “There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States.”
She further clarified that the Department of Defense’s initial assessment concluded that the drones were not associated with any foreign entity or adversary. Ok, but again, how can they say that if they don’t know what they are? They are talking out of both sides of their mouth and hoping no one will notice. The problem for the government is that no one is just going to ignore Buick-sized objects buzzing the night skies over Jersey. They are pretty freakin’ obvious. It reminds me of that scene in The Wizard of Oz where Toto pulls back the curtain on the Wizard, and it is revealed to everyone that he is a fraud, just a man with a microphone and some sound effects.
“Pay no attention to those huge objects flying over your homes. Nothing to look at there!”
Sophisticated Technology
The mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey are reported to possess advanced technology that sets them apart from recreational or commercial drones. One factor is their size. It takes a lot of horsepower to keep something the size of a Land Rover aloft. These drones also exhibit impressive endurance, capable of flying for 6-7 hours at a time and covering distances of up to 15 miles. Where are they being refueled? Hmmmm…
One of the most notable features of these drones is their advanced evasion capabilities. They are reported to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopters and radio frequencies. Some operate with their lights switched off, making visual detection even more challenging. In one incident, a drone reportedly turned off its lights and fled after being detected by a state police helicopter, showcasing an ability to quickly evade pursuit.
Their flight characteristics are equally unusual. The drones have been observed operating in unrestricted airspace and flying in what has been described as an “uncoordinated manner.” Some appear to navigate effectively at night without using anti-collision lights, which are typically required by the FAA. This suggests they are equipped with advanced navigation systems not commonly found in hobby or commercial drones.
Other drones, however, are sporting red and green position lights. These lights are mandated by the FAA (a red light on the port side, a green light on the starboard, and a white light on the tail) and must be illuminated from sunset to sunrise. Call me nuts, but I doubt that aliens or Iranians give a damn about US Federal Aviation Administration rules.
The sophistication of these drones has posed significant challenges for authorities attempting to track them. New Jersey State Senator Jon Bramnick has noted that the state lacks the resources to effectively monitor or locate these drones, suggesting that only the Department of Defense has the necessary technology to handle such a task.
Concerns About Espionage
Concerns about espionage from drones, particularly those manufactured in China, are growing among U.S. officials and security experts. The main worry is that these drones could collect sensitive data that might be exploited for espionage purposes. For example, Chinese-made drones, such as those produced by DJI, are capable of detailed mapping of critical infrastructure, gathering economic and national security intelligence, and even engaging in data and intellectual property theft.
Experts warn that drone data can be intercepted during transmission, especially if the devices are connected to wireless networks. Additionally, compromised software or hardware within the drones could make it easier for adversaries to steal sensitive information. The operational deployment of drones also grants them access to sensitive system data used for improving infrastructure and enterprise operations, which could be valuable to adversaries if obtained.
Specific concerns have been raised about vulnerabilities in Chinese-made drones. Security experts point to potential backdoors in software that might allow adversaries to gather data without detection. This has led federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, to ban the purchase and use of drones from Chinese manufacturers like DJI, XAG, and Autel Robotics, citing risks of exploitation.
Recent incidents have only heightened these concerns. Forget about New Jersey for a second; Unidentified drone swarms have been spotted flying over critical infrastructure elsewhere, including the Department of Energy’s Nevada Nuclear Security Site. In one case, a Chinese student allegedly used a drone to capture photos of U.S. military installations, raising alarms about potential espionage activities.
Despite these risks, Chinese-made drones remain widely used in the United States. About 80% of U.S. law enforcement agencies that deploy drones rely on models manufactured by Chinese companies. This widespread adoption in critical sectors has amplified worries about potential data exposure and national security risks.
While there is no concrete evidence linking the Chinese government to drone-based espionage in these cases, the availability of advanced and affordable drones has opened new avenues for potential espionage. U.S. officials and lawmakers are working to address these risks, but the situation underscores the growing challenges posed by drone technology in national security.
Calls for Action
Several government officials are calling for decisive action to address the mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey. These calls come as frustration mounts among residents and leaders over the lack of information and progress in resolving the issue.
State-Level Actions
At the state level, New Jersey State Senator Jon Bramnick has proposed several measures to tackle the problem. He has called for a limited state of emergency to temporarily ban all drone flights until more information becomes available. Bramnick has also urged the Department of Defense to investigate the sightings and recommended shutting down the airspace to drones in collaboration with the FAA.
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden has echoed these concerns, urging Governor Phil Murphy to issue an executive order banning recreational drone flights during nighttime hours. This measure, he believes, would help prevent further unauthorized activity while investigations continue.
Federal-Level Actions
On the federal level, Representative Chris Smith has taken the issue to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Smith sent a letter urging the Pentagon to immediately deploy all available resources to identify and address the drone activity in New Jersey. He also suggested utilizing capabilities at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to assess and counter potential threats posed by the drones.
Meanwhile, Senator Cory Booker has called for greater transparency from federal authorities. In a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Booker emphasized the need for better communication with the public and local officials to address safety and security concerns.
Local-Level Actions
Local leaders are also stepping up to demand action. A coalition of 20 mayors from Morris County sent a joint letter to Governor Murphy expressing their deep concern over the drone sightings. They called for a formal inquiry into the flights, clearer communication with local officials, and the implementation of measures to prevent unsafe drone operations.
These collective efforts reflect a growing sense of urgency among officials at all levels of government. While investigations are ongoing, the lack of concrete answers has left many calling for stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of New Jersey’s residents.
The Mystery Continues
As the investigation continues, the origins and intentions behind these mysterious drones remain unknown. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the truth, but until more information emerges, the drones over New Jersey will continue to be a source of speculation and concern.
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Where do you think these drones are from? Do they pose us any harm? Let me know in the comments below.
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