New Jersey’s drone mystery prompted aviation officials to significantly expand bans on the flying devices.
In recent weeks, the Garden State has been buzzing with reports from hundreds of residents who have witnessed unexplained aerial phenomena. Officials have tried to allay fears by claiming there is no national security risk, but actions taken by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggest otherwise.
Initially, the drone ban targeted 22 towns and municipalities. However, the FAA recently expanded the ban to nine additional regions. Although reports of drone sightings seem to be decreasing, fresh videos of these mysterious objects over Somerset, Ocean, and Bergen counties continue to surface online.
The rationale behind the tightening of restrictions remains a mystery. When local journalists sought answers, the FAA directed them to the Department of Homeland Security, which referred inquiries back to the FAA. The FBI also referred questions regarding the ban to the FAA.
An FBI representative said that of the approximately 5,000 public reports investigated by the FBI, approximately 100 were deemed “credible.”
Despite growing concerns, federal officials maintain that drones do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby assured the public of safety, saying, “We have seen nothing unusual or a national security or public safety risk in the civil airspace of New Jersey or any other state in the Northeast.” “It has not been done.”
Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardi told reporters that his team launched a drone to track a group of unidentified aircraft that local deputies reported were “coming out of the water.” acknowledged that their “industrial” drones were no match for the sheriff’s mission. The speed of the mysterious flyer.
In December, Ocean County officials requested a state of emergency that would allow federal intervention against drones. Incidents seemed to reach a climax in mid-late December, but are still continuing despite the expanded drone ban.
New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew, who has long echoed allegations that an Iranian “mother ship” released the drone, told the New York Post that his “closed secrecy” Government officials said it confirmed his belief that the drones were a means of espionage from hostile nations.
“Something is very wrong,” he said. “We have an unidentified high-powered drone the size of a minivan, carefully navigating the radar-unreachable airspace in critical areas of our country, and now, a month later, why are we still using it?” I don’t know anything about it.”
Van Drew also expressed frustration with the reassurances he received from authorities, saying, “We’re being told, ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to be fine.'”
Monmouth County Sheriff Sean Golden joined the chorus calling for urgent action, saying, “Residents are becoming increasingly alarmed by a surge in drone activity after dark, raising concerns for public safety and public order.” did.
“We cannot wait any longer. The governor must act now and the Air National Guard must step in to protect our communities,” he said, stressing the need for immediate action.
