For the past month, Central Jersey has been buzzing with reports of mysterious drones flying across the sky, mostly in the evening hours. Over 180 drone sightings have been recorded, particularly in Hunterdon and Morris counties. But despite the mounting number of reports, residents and local officials alike are left with more questions than answers.
These drones have been spotted over significant areas, including Trump National Golf Club, Round Valley Reservoir, and Picatinny Arsenal. The drone sightings generally occur at sunset and end around 11 p.m. As the sightings intensify, so does the speculation. Local officials are under increasing pressure to provide answers, especially regarding the origins of these drones and any potential risks they might pose.
Growing Concerns Over Drone Sightings in Central Jersey
Over the past four weeks, Central Jersey has become the focus of increasing speculation and concern due to frequent sightings of drones. Many residents have reported seeing these drones late at night, sometimes flying over sensitive areas such as military installations and critical infrastructure. The lack of official information has created a climate of unease. Public officials have been scrambling to address the mystery, with many locals wondering if these drones are simply an annoyance or part of something more nefarious.
Despite Governor Phil Murphy’s reassurances that the drones pose no immediate threat, residents are still on edge. The absence of clarity about the origin of the drones and their purpose has left many wondering if they could be part of a covert operation—whether domestic or foreign. Here’s a breakdown of what local officials have said about these mysterious drones.
What Are Local Officials Saying About the Drone Sightings?
Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Hillsborough Mayor Robert Briting have urged residents to remain calm but continue to report any drone activity they see. According to Freiman, the safety of the community is a top priority, and they are working with local, state, and federal agencies to get to the bottom of the mystery. However, despite these reassurances, the community remains frustrated with the lack of clear answers.
Freiman emphasized, “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents,” adding that drones are “obviously not a child’s holiday toy.” He and other officials are continuing to collaborate with authorities at every level, but they’ve yet to receive any concrete explanations about the origins of the drones.
Hillsborough Mayor Briting also reassured residents, stating, “There is no cause for alarm at this moment,” but he urged people to report any suspicious drone activity directly to the FBI. Somerset County, similarly, issued a statement affirming they are working with federal authorities, though they have no new information to share.
Hunterdon County Takes Action: Local Leaders Demand Transparency
In Hunterdon County, Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl took a more direct approach, sending a letter to U.S. Senators Cory Booker, Andy Kim, and Rep. Tom Kean, urging them to pressure the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for transparency. Kuhl stated that the drones cannot be ignored, especially as they’ve been seen near critical infrastructure facilities and military sites.
“The ongoing drone sightings near private homes, military installations, and critical infrastructure facilities throughout New Jersey cannot and should not be taken lightly,” Kuhl said. “Our residents deserve credible and meaningful answers to why swarms of drones are hovering outside their homes late at night.”
Local Government Efforts to Get to the Bottom of the Drone Mystery
Hunterdon County’s Public Safety Director Brayden Fahey and Sheriff Fred Brown reported that drones have been spotted near sensitive areas such as Round Valley Reservoir, raising further concerns about the drones’ potential surveillance or military-related purpose. Their investigation continues, but as of yet, they have no definitive answers.
Similarly, South River Mayor Pete Guindi shared his frustration over the lack of a clear response from authorities. He acknowledged the concerns of his community and reassured residents that the best course of action is to report drone sightings to local law enforcement. “As a mayor, for my residents in town, as well as for residents of the state, I understand your concern and I value your concern because I’m questioning this, too,” Guindi said.
Guindi’s message to residents was clear: “Stay open-minded and gather whatever facts you see. There is no reason for residents to take any action other than reporting what they see. Your facts can help lead to resolving this situation.”
Speculation Grows: Is This a National Security Threat?
As the sightings increase, speculation has begun to escalate. Morris County Assemblyman Brian Bergen voiced his frustration after attending a briefing about the drone sightings. He walked out, calling the meeting “the biggest amateur hour I’ve ever seen about anything.”
U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew has been particularly vocal, calling for immediate action to neutralize the drones. In a recent press release, he suggested that the drones could be the work of foreign adversaries, specifically Iran. He pointed to “circumstantial evidence” and added that the drones might be part of a larger espionage operation. Van Drew called on President Joe Biden to impose flight restrictions and to take immediate action to neutralize these drones, saying that the FBI and FAA need to be more transparent with the public.
U.S. Representative Chris Smith echoed Van Drew’s concerns. Smith described a personal investigation where he and Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy tracked drones at Island Beach State Park. According to Smith, a Coast Guard official revealed that one of its ships had been trailed by up to 30 drones, adding fuel to the speculation that these sightings could be tied to foreign espionage or a larger-scale operation.
The Push for Action: Will the FAA Take Over?
Some local officials are now calling for stronger measures. State Senator Jon Bramnick, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, has proposed declaring a State of Emergency until more information about the drone sightings is gathered. According to Bramnick, this could involve shutting down airspace to drones, requiring cooperation from the FAA. His call for action has added to the growing political pressure on state and federal authorities to act quickly and decisively.
What Comes Next for Drone Sightings in Central Jersey?
The surge in drone sightings over Central Jersey has sparked an intense debate over their origin and purpose. Local residents and officials are looking for answers, with many wondering if these drones pose a security threat. While federal officials, including Governor Murphy, have reassured the public, many remain unconvinced.
In the coming weeks, the investigations will continue, but it’s clear that officials at all levels of government will need to work together to uncover the truth behind these mysterious drone sightings. Transparency is crucial to assuage public concerns and to ensure that the safety of the community remains the top priority.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
