Mysterious Drones Over New Jersey Stir Fear and Debate
For nearly a month, mysterious drones have been buzzing over New Jersey, sparking alarm among residents and heated debates about their origins. The sightings, which began on 18 November, have yet to yield definitive answers from US authorities.
Despite assurances that the drones pose no immediate danger to the public or national security, the lack of transparency has fueled frustration and speculation.
Where Have the Drones Been Spotted?
The drones have been sighted across various locations in New Jersey:
- Near the Raritan River and the Round Valley Reservoir, New Jersey’s largest reservoir.
- Around sensitive sites like Picatinny Arsenal, a military research facility, and Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
- Recent drone sightings have also been reported in New York City and Connecticut, with drones disappearing before law enforcement could respond.
Similar incidents have been reported at US military bases in the UK and near military facilities in Virginia, raising concerns about their origin.
What Do We Know About These Drones?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have stated:
- Most sightings seem lawful and involve manned flights.
- No evidence has been found to link the drones to a foreign threat.
- The drones exhibit advanced capabilities, such as operating without lights and avoiding detection.
Some lawmakers, like New Jersey’s Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, claim the drones are up to 6ft in diameter and operate in a “coordinated manner.”
Theories About Drone Origins
Theories about the drones’ origins range from state actors to foreign interference:
- Iranian Mothership: Dismissed by the Pentagon as false.
- Chinese Connection: Some lawmakers suspect possible links to China, but no evidence supports this theory.
- Domestic Operations: Authorities lean towards the likelihood of lawful, manned flights, though investigations are ongoing.
Can These Drones Be Stopped?
Suggestions for addressing the mystery include:
- Shooting Down Drones: President-elect Donald Trump and some lawmakers have suggested this approach, though it is illegal without proper authorization.
- Stronger Counter-Drone Measures: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called for federal action and greater local law enforcement capabilities.
- Fines and Restrictions: The FAA has imposed temporary flight restrictions and warned drone operators of steep fines for unsafe operations.
Authorities caution against residents taking matters into their own hands, as interfering with drones is a federal offense.
- External Link: Learn more about this story on the BBC.
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