the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey residents are on edge as reports of large, mysterious drones continue to surface across the state. These unidentified flying objects, some as large as six feet in diameter, have been sighted in areas stretching from the New York City metro region through New Jersey and even into parts of Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.
The drones, which often fly with their lights switched off, appear to evade traditional detection methods like helicopters and radio, according to Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who was briefed this week by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Officials are still trying to determine who is behind the flights and what their purpose might be.
Drones Raise Alarm Near Sensitive Locations
Concerns escalated when the drones were initially spotted near sensitive locations, including the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. While drones are legal for recreational and commercial use in New Jersey, they are subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must also be FAA-certified.
Assemblywoman Fantasia noted that the devices do not appear to be flown by hobbyists, given their size and behavior. Most of the drones reported have been larger than typical recreational models.
Residents and Officials Call for Action
The wave of sightings has left both residents and officials concerned, with some calling for stricter regulations on unmanned aerial devices. James Edwards, a resident of Succasunna, expressed unease over the unknown nature of the flights, saying, “There’s so much that’s unknown. People are spreading conspiracies, but we need to wait and see what’s really happening.”
Republican U.S. Representatives Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew have even called on the military to shoot down the drones, though Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said the initial assessment suggests these are not linked to foreign adversaries.
Governor Phil Murphy has urged patience, stating that the drones do not appear to pose a direct threat to public safety. However, he acknowledged the public’s frustration, saying, “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously.”
Senator Mike Testa said in a briefing with State Police on the drone activity happening across the state. It is baffling to me that we have left with more questions than answers, and we still do not know what’s going on. We were told they don’t know the owners of the drones, that we don’t know where they are flying from or where they are returning to. Then, they had the audacity to tell us that these drones pose no imminent threat…New Jerseyans deserve answers and should not have to live like this.
DHS Briefs Lawmakers
On Wednesday, state and local lawmakers attended a 90-minute briefing at a state police facility in West Trenton. Republican Assemblyman Erik Peterson, who represents parts of the state where the drones have been reported, said the DHS was thorough in its explanations but dismissive of some concerns. “My understanding is they have no clue who or what is behind this,” Peterson said.
Officials have urged residents to report sightings and share any videos or photos with the FBI, which is actively investigating.
Speculation and Conspiracy
While the number of sightings has increased in recent days, officials caution that not all reports may involve drones. Some objects could be planes mistaken for drones, and a single drone could have been reported multiple times. Still, the lack of clear answers has fueled public speculation, with conspiracy theories gaining traction.
Next Steps
As sightings continue to be reported along coastal areas and other locations, including a large reservoir in Clinton, officials are working to unravel the mystery. For now, the focus remains on gathering evidence and maintaining public safety while avoiding unnecessary panic.
What lies behind these mysterious flights remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the drones have captured the attention of residents, officials, and the nation. As investigations unfold, all eyes will be on New Jersey’s skies.
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