New Jersey residents have reported dozens of sightings of large drones flying continuously in the night sky across much of the state in recent weeks. Similar sightings are being claimed on social media in Pennsylvania and New York’s Staten Island.
The FBI is leading a multi-agency investigation and has asked the public to report sightings directly to that agency.
According to Delaware State Police, there have been no reported sightings in Delaware since Monday, December 10.
More: Drone sightings in NJ have residents looking to the sky. Should you believe social media?
Although New Jersey law enforcement officials have said there is no known threat to public safety, the sightings have shocked the public and many residents, as well as some elected officials, are demanding answers.
Here’s what you need to know.
What do residents claim to see in the night sky?
FBI and New Jersey authorities are investigating mysterious drones spotted over the state
In recent weeks, New Jersey residents have reported consistent sightings of large drones, estimated to be about six feet long, flying over several parts of the state, including over rivers, reservoirs and at least one military research facility, on an almost nightly basis.
The sightings began just before Thanksgiving in Morris County, New Jersey, located in the northwest part of the state. According to the Asbury Park Press, some eyewitnesses have described the objects as “car-sized” and say they appear when the sun sets.
Since the original sightings, the drones reportedly spread into Sussex, Somerset and Warren counties, as well as other areas in North Jersey. More recently, the drones have been spotted anecdotally from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the Mayfair area of Philadelphia, as well as South Jersey and the Jersey Shore.
What do officials say? FBI investigating
This interactive map shows where drones are believed to have been spotted in North and Central Jersey.
It is not yet known where the drones come from and what they are used for.
Law enforcement and government officials in New Jersey have remained steadfast that there is no threat to public safety, but investigative efforts have ramped up as community pages on social media light up with new alleged sightings.
On Wednesday, November 27, it was announced that the FBI had joined the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness in investigations.
On Thursday, December 5, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said he had a briefing on the sightings with US Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and working closely with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter,” Murphy said in a statement about X, adding that there is currently no indication of any threat to public safety.
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The FBI said it was investigating reports of a possible “fixed-wing aircraft” flying along New Jersey’s Raritan River, a nearly 70-mile-long river that flows past President-elect Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster.
More: North Jersey mayors are demanding action from NJ and the FBI after a spate of drone sightings
Amy Thoreson, a spokesperson for the FBI’s Newark, New Jersey office, said on Monday, December 6, that there was no new information about drone sightings over New Jersey.
The Federal Aviation Administration also issued temporary flight restrictions for Trump’s golf course, as well as the Picatinny Arsenal military research and production facility.
“We investigate all reports of unauthorized drone operations and conduct investigations as appropriate,” an FAA statement read. “Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines of up to $75,000. In addition, we may suspend or revoke the pilot certificates of drone operators.”
After signing a bill into law in Princeton on Monday morning, December 9, Murphy spoke to reporters from nj.com, Fox and other media about residents’ understandable frustration with the drones.
“Most importantly… we don’t see any concern for public safety,” Murphy told reporters. “That said, it’s really frustrating that we don’t have more answers about where they come from and why they do what they do. We had 49 sightings last night.”
How to report sightings
Delaware State Police stated that as of Monday, no similar sightings have been reported in the state.
For those in or around New Jersey, there are a few ways to report suspected drone activity.
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Call the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov.
Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues in Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.
This article originally appeared in Delaware News Journal: What are the car-sized drones flying over New Jersey?
