FBI updates public on mysterious drones flying over New Jersey

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) — New Jersey residents have been feeling uneasy after a large number of what appear to be mysterious drones have been spotted flying through the sky over the past few weeks. 

Residents have described the sightings to PIX11 News as “unnerving” and “creepy” and want an explanation.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety. 

However, many state and municipal lawmakers have called for stricter rules about who can fly unmanned aircraft.

On Thursday, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a joint statement regarding the reported drone sightings. It reads as follows:

“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus. The FBI, DHS and our federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.

Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities. We are supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey with numerous detection methods but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection. To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space. 

We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports. To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage. While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities."

Joint statement from FBI and DHS

On Wednesday, in a meeting with New Jersey officials, the Pentagon said the drones are not from the U.S. military and right now are not thought to be from a foreign country or adversary.

What has been seen in New Jersey?

Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones in New Jersey starting in November.

At first, the drones were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River. Soon, sightings were reported statewide.

Are these drones dangerous?

Gov. Murphy has said the aircraft do not pose a threat but has not provided any details to support this.

New Jersey Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who the Department of Homeland Security briefed, said the reported drones have been up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes travel with their lights switched off.

Officials and experts say some witnesses may be seeing planes or helicopters rather than drones or may be confused about the size of their devices.

Are drones allowed in New Jersey?

Flying drones for recreational and commercial use is legal in New Jersey but subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions.

Operators must be FAA certified.

This story comprises reporting from PIX11 News reporters Katie Corrado and Jim Vasil.