JERSEY SHORE, NJ. (THECOUNT) — – The sky’s been buzzing with mystery as residents from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York report sightings of drones as big as cars, flying under the cover of night. Despite assurances from officials, the public’s curiosity and concern are far from quenched with the phenomena now being reported as far away as California.
Speculation has been rampant, with some suggesting these could be new military tech being discreetly tested for surveillance, while others whisper of foreign entities conducting covert operations.
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As reported by Fox News, one family in Morris County, who followed a drone in their car, said that as the drone hovered above them, their car’s clock changed time and only returned to normal as they drove off.
A gathering of mayors at the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center left many unsatisfied. State officials offered reassurances but couldn’t pinpoint the drones’ origins or purpose, leaving Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione to voice his frustration the next day:
“How can you say there’s no need for concern when you don’t even know where they come from and where they go or who owns them?”
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office has been vocal about the ongoing situation:
“As reported sightings of drones continue throughout Monmouth County, Sheriff Shaun Golden is asking federal and state officials to collaborate in identifying the source of activity reported across the region.”
Their statement continued, emphasizing the need for more tools and transparency:
“the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and partners in law enforcement are actively monitoring the situation which doesn’t appear to be a threat to public safety. However, additional tools are needed at the state level to identify the source, as well as more transparency federally, regarding drone operations over critical infrastructure and sensitive areas.”
Sheriff Golden acknowledged the community’s unease:
“We are aware of the unease these drone sightings have caused in our communities. The safety and security of our residents is our top priorities. We urge state and federal authorities to work together in locating the source of these drones and determining their intent. It is essential that we address these incidents swiftly to prevent any concerns or disruptions.”
Congressman Chris Smith (R-4th) has not minced words, pressing U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for action after a briefing by a U.S. Coast Guard officer about drones tailing a lifeboat:
“There have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district.”
Smith highlighted the capabilities at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL):
“Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation.”
He urged immediate deployment of these capabilities:
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey.”
After spending time with Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy scanning the skies, Smith expressed his deep concern:
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers – not empty reassurances. The time to act is now.”
Governor Phil Murphy has also weighed in on the matter, acknowledging the public’s frustration while stating:
“[The] situation is frustrating but that the unidentified flying objects don’t appear to pose a public safety concern… [It’s] being taken ‘deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated.’”
Sightings have been particularly notable near Picatinny Arsenal and President-Elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, leading to drone flight restrictions by the Federal Aviation Administration as investigations proceed.
Witnesses describe clusters of drones larger than hobbyist models, including a potential fixed-wing aircraft, seen along the Raritan River since November 18. From Ocean County’s barrier island to Toms River, residents have observed these formations, with one sighting of three drones hovering over Barnegat Bay.
Despite assurances, the push for answers continues, with officials urging anyone with information or photos to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit online at tips.fbi.gov.
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