An FBI official revealed to Congress on Tuesday that mysterious drones frequently appearing over parts of New Jersey remain unidentified, despite the public’s unrest at the sightings.
The unexplained aerial activity has fueled demands for answers and action from both state and federal officials.
Reports of the large unidentified drones began surfacing back in November and have continued to spook New Jersey residents as they hover menacingly and often zip around the sky in formation.
Witness accounts describe multiple drones appearing nightly in the same areas, with some reportedly as large as cars—much larger than the typical drones used by hobbyists.
Time lapse video of the New Jersey drones the other night pic.twitter.com/SaoSUdo9i5
— Jayroo (@jayroo69) December 11, 2024
Notable locations where these drones have been spotted include Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and the military base Picatinny Arsenal.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently shared that dozens of drone sightings were reported this past Sunday alone.
Earlier, he stated that he had discussed the ongoing “drone activity over parts of North and Central New Jersey” with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, as well as key officials from DHS, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), and the state police.
“We saw one right up above us that was the size of our car.”
Mysterious drones have been spotted hovering over neighborhoods in New Jersey, leaving residents confused and concerned. The FBI is investigating and local police say there’s no known threat to public safety. pic.twitter.com/iVussv4Q8D
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 4, 2024
“We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter,” Murphy explained.
He assured residents that “there is no known threat to the public at this time.”
However, speculation that these drones might be operated by the government was quickly shot down. Lt. Col. Craig Bonham II, a commander at Picatinny Arsenal.
So are they just seriously not going to do anything about this? There has to be some sort of answer. #dronesightings #newjerseydrones pic.twitter.com/Rswyaxig7h
— TacoPeace🌮 (@TacoPeace8) December 11, 2024
He stated firmly that the drones were not part of any activities associated with the military facility but did confirm their presence.
“While the source and cause of these aircraft operating in our area remain unknown, we can confirm that they are not the result of any Picatinny Arsenal-related activities,” Bonham said in a news release obtained by the local media.
The FBI and other agencies are ramping up their investigation into these mysterious sightings.
Addressing lawmakers during a Capitol Hill hearing, Robert Wheeler Jr., an FBI assistant director, described the situation as an “unexplained sighting of drone activity.”
He elaborated that the drones had been observed flying close to “sensitive sites and areas of concern,” but investigators “do not attribute that to an individual or group yet.”
A pressing question came from Rep. August Pfluger, who chairs the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence.
WATCH: @RepPfluger asked CBP, FBI, & DOJ witnesses what we're all wondering—"What is going on in New Jersey?" pic.twitter.com/mCaF9dN1EZ
— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) December 10, 2024
Pfluger demanded to know whether the drones could pose a public safety or national security threat.
Wheeler responded, “There is nothing that is known that would lead me to say that. And that’s the concerning part.”
Pfluger highlighted similar instances from the past, such as “unknown drones” flying over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia last year, adding, “Why can’t we take action?”
Wheeler acknowledged that measures could be authorized to intercept drones over high-security sites but noted it might require Department of Defense approval.
Rep. Chris Smith added to the conversation by recounting a harrowing account from a Coast Guard officer.
According to Smith, the officer reported that a 47-foot vessel was “followed by between 12 and 30 of these drones as they went through the water.” He questioned why drones over water had not been intercepted or shot down.
Rep. Tony Gonzales also voiced his frustration and disbelief, asking, “You’re telling me we don’t know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey. Is that correct?”
Wheeler responded plainly, “That’s right.” Gonzales then fired back, “That’s crazy. … That’s madness that we don’t know what these drones are.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reassured the public that the drones were not foreign in origin and confirmed that President Biden had been briefed on the matter.
When asked if the government had definitively ruled out a foreign entity behind the drones, Jean-Pierre responded, “Yeah.”
These unexplained sightings have led New Jersey lawmakers to call for additional action.
Republican state Sen. Jon Bramnick proposed a “limited state of emergency” until there is more clarity on the matter.
Bramnick posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “The State of New Jersey should issue a limited state of emergency banning all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings.”
Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. joined 20 mayors from various New Jersey towns in demanding swifter action.
“I join thousands of New Jersey residents in deep frustration regarding the growing concerns over drones operating in our skies,” he tweeted.
“The safety and privacy of our residents must be a top priority, and right now, both are being put at risk,” the lawmaker added.
Kean urged federal agencies, including DHS and FAA, to dedicate greater resources to addressing what he termed an “escalating issue.”
He concluded his statement with a firm demand, “The people of New Jersey deserve answers.”