HARRISBURG (TNS) — It’s a mystery that’s stumped New Jerseyans for weeks now and many are looking for an explanation.
Since mid-November, many large drones have been spotted overhead in the night sky in central and northern New Jersey but no one seems to have answers as to where they’re coming from.
The drones were first seen over Morris County and since then, they’ve been observed across the Garden State nightly in some areas and at times, traveling in groups.
The large drones are raising concerns because of their close proximity to a military installation and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
The sightings have created such a buzz that New Jersey mayors are getting involved and are calling for answers.
The mayors of 21 towns in New Jersey sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy in recent weeks, calling for action on the mysterious drones.
In the letter, per ABC News, the mayors in Morris County called for a full investigation into the drones “to determine the origin, purpose and compliance with applicable regulations.”
There was also a demand for the “implementation of measures to prevent unauthorized or unsafe drone operations” in Morris County going forward, and “clear communication to local officials, law enforcement and residents regarding the findings of this investigation.”
“While the benefits of drone technology are widely recognized when used responsibly and transparently, the lack of information and clarity regarding these operations has caused fear and frustration among our constituents,” the mayors wrote. “Despite inquiries made to relevant authorities, we have yet to receive satisfactory answers about the purpose, operators, or safety protocols governing these flights.”
But last week, Gov. Phil Murphy said there is no threat to the public at this time and noted that he held a briefing to discuss the drone sightings with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, senior officials from the Department of Homeland Security, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and New Jersey State Police.
In addition to the FBI investigating the matter, he also told the public to report any drone sightings they see.
“The FBI Newark, NJ State Police, and NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness are asking for the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River,” the FBI said in a statement on Dec. 3 to Fox News.
“Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft,” the statement continued. “We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed drone flight investigations. Local police have also said there’s no known threat to public safety.
“Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon would like to inform everyone that the recent drone activity observed by many in our communities is being actively investigated. There is no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time,” the Morris County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement to ABC News.
In a joint statement also sent to ABC News, multiple Morris and Somerset County officials said they will continue to monitor the drone activity.
“County and local law enforcement agencies are aware of the recurring reports of drone activity around Morris and Somerset counties, and acknowledge the public’s concern about these repeated sightings,” they said.
