As worries grow amid an FBI investigation into the topic, reports of purported drone sightings in New Jersey over the previous few weeks have given rise to conspiracy theories and speculations.
According to the FBI’s Newark office, the New Jersey office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the state police, residents of New Jersey have reported sighting a group of what appear to be drones and a potential fixed wing aircraft in recent weeks, according to information obtained by Knewz.com.
During a briefing on Wednesday, December 11, deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh stated, “At this time we have no evidence that these activities are coming from a foreign entity or the work of a foreign adversary,” while the FBI continues its investigation into the “drone mystery.”
Additionally, Singh stressed that the flying objects described by the people are not US military drones.
Notably, Joseph Orlando, the Chief of Police at the Florham Park Police Department, claims that these purported drones have been seen flying over “critical infrastructure such as water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments, and military installations.”
Chief Orlando posted the following in a Facebook statement:
“In recent weeks, residents may have noticed or learned about the numerous drone sightings that have been reported in the area above Morris County. Together with our State and Federal allies, Morris County law enforcement has been working to identify the individuals or organizations that are in charge of these drones’ presence in our sky, as well as the drones’ launch and landing locations.”
“Because of their location near our vital infrastructure, members of the local law enforcement community have been putting pressure on our partners for answers surrounding this conduct. The social media message went on to say, “Although we do not currently have any information or evidence to suggest that these drones pose an immediate threat, their presence seems nefarious in nature.”
“For the past two weeks, the sightings have been happening every night, starting just after sunset and continuing long into the early morning hours. We have Newark International Airport nearby and Morristown Municipal Airport on our western border, so please be aware that not all low-flying aircraft are drones,” the police chief continued.
As part of their investigation into the purported “drone sightings,” law enforcement officials have appealed to the public for assistance, asking them to disclose any information they may have.
Notably, similar to the 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident, the public is extremely concerned about the claimed drone sightings.
The FBI and other law enforcement organizations participating in the inquiry have yet to offer much information about the situation, which appears to be the biggest source of concern at this time.
When Republican Representative from Texas August Pfluger, who chaired a Congressional hearing on drone threats to Homeland Security on December 10, inquired as to whether these “drones” are a threat to public safety, Robert Wheeler Jr., assistant director of the FBI’s critical incident response group, responded as follows:
“There is nothing that is known that would lead me to say that, but we just don’t know, and that’s the concerning part.”
“You’re telling me we don’t know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey?” In response to Rep. Pfluger’s press, Wheeler said, “That’s right.”
According to reports, New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew “urged the federal government to bolster its security and aviation technology to avoid potential harm from the drones,” amid heightened concerns over the alleged drone sightings. Van Drew also suggested that Iran could be involved in this issue.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security jointly released a statement on December 12 stating that there is “no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” The Pentagon, however, has refuted Rep. Van Drew’s theory.
Indeed, according to federal agencies looking into the drone reports, the flying objects “are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully.”
“We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports,” the joint statement continued, while clarifying:
To be clear, they haven’t yet discovered any such malevolent intent or conduct. Even while there isn’t any documented harmful activity taking place in New Jersey, the sightings that have been recorded there do show how inadequate the existing authorities are.
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