 "What are the mysterious SUV-sized drones spotted over New Jersey?")
New Jersey finds itself at the centre of a mystery.
Over the past several weeks, reports have emerged of large, car-sized drones appearing over various counties in the bustling northwestern state. These unidentified drones, often spotted in synchronised formations, have been seen hovering over critical infrastructure and residential areas, raising concerns among locals.
The sightings have prompted action from multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to uncover the origins and intentions behind these creepy flights, according to the New York Times.
Here’s a closer look at what we know so far.
New Jersey’s eerie drones
A few weeks ago, Kat Dunbar, a 37-year-old acupuncturist, was driving home with her children when she spotted something strange in the night sky.
“I was like, ‘What is that? Is that a UFO?’” Dunbar recounted. “And we watched it the whole way home.” To her surprise, the objects turned out to be drones.
“In the last week, it became a little bit of a menacing and, like, creepy thing,” Dunbar told The New York Times.
Dunbar’s experience mirrors that of many others across at least 10 counties, including Morris, Somerset, Warren, and Sussex. Since mid-November, numerous residents have reported sightings of weird drones flying overhead.
Witnesses describe the drones as varying in size, with some appearing to be small and others as large as cars. They blink lights and emit a distinct, loud humming sound. Further, they often appear in groups, flying in coordinated patterns.
The mysterious nighttime drone flights plaguing New Jersey residents for weeks has now reportedly reached over into one of New York City's boroughs. pic.twitter.com/5Vx71TFhRu
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) December 7, 2024
These drones have been spotted hovering over key infrastructure such as reservoirs, power lines, and railways, as well as residential areas, backyards and highways.
Social media has been flooded with videos and photos of these drones, further fuelling speculation and anxiety among locals.
“It’s kind of unsettling. They’re not up for 15 minutes; they’re up for hours,” one resident told WPIX.
Mysterious drone flights plaguing New Jersey residents for weeks have now reportedly reached over into one of New York City's boroughs. 🌙🌃 #NewJersey #DroneFlights #NYCBoroughs#UFOTwitter #UFO #UFOs #UFOSightings #UAPTwitter) pic.twitter.com/ZQJ7WK08o8
— DeepState Illuminate (@TheDeep_State6) December 8, 2024
Richard Waldron, a Closter-based psychologist told the New York Times that the drones’ consistent and organised activity has started making people feel violated.
“It is making people anxious. It’s kind of like a Peeping Tom, and it gets everybody’s vigilance up − they become hypervigilant to it,” said Waldron.
FBI begins an investigation
Following a wave of mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey, the FBI, local law enforcement, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full-scale investigation into the incidents.
“At this time, we’re still investigating. We have no information of who the drones belong to or what their purpose was,” said Walt Miller, police chief of Evesham Township, in a statement to journalists.
Although the drones are not considered a direct threat to public safety, they have already caused disruptions to critical emergency services, according to USA Today.
These "drones" being seen over New Jersey are Galactic Federation crafts.
— Kab (@Kabamur_Taygeta) December 5, 2024
They're partially disguised to give those who aren't ready time to adapt.
Some look like planes. Some look like drones.
The military already knows they can't stop them. Nothing can stop what's coming. https://t.co/CZ3A6VpxHW pic.twitter.com/gpihADUyVy
One significant incident involved a medevac helicopter being unable to respond to a serious car crash because of drone activity. A spokesperson from Raritan Valley Community College, a regular landing site for New Jersey State Police Emergency Medical Services, confirmed the interference.
In response, the FAA has introduced flight restrictions, including two temporary bans over the past month. These restrictions prohibit drones from flying near key locations like Picatinny Arsenal Military Base and Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster.
“We look into all reports of unauthorised drone operations and investigate when appropriate,” the FAA stated. “Drone operators who conduct unsafe flights that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines of up to $75,000. We may also suspend or revoke their pilot certificates.”
The FBI’s Newark office and Morris County officials issued a joint statement urging the public to assist in the investigation. Residents have been encouraged to share any relevant images, videos, or information about the drone activity to help unravel the mystery.
With input from agencies
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