TRENTON, N.J. — For over three weeks, the skies above New Jersey have been dotted with mysterious drones, creating a buzz of concern and curiosity among residents and officials alike. These unidentified flying objects have been spotted not only over residential areas but also near sensitive military installations, raising questions about their origins and intentions.
Despite the growing interest and urgency to uncover the truth behind these drone appearances, today's congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., was notably absent of key figures. Neither New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy nor representatives from the FBI were present at the session, which has left many questions lingering in the air.
The drones, described in various reports as being significantly larger than typical consumer drones—sometimes likened to the size of an SUV—have been seen nightly across at least a dozen counties in New Jersey. They've been observed flying near critical infrastructure such as water reservoirs, rail stations, and military bases, including the Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County.
Local law enforcement and residents have reported these sightings to both state authorities and the FBI, with Governor Murphy acknowledging the situation but asserting there is "no known threat to the public at this time." However, the absence of both the governor and FBI officials at today's hearing has sparked frustration among lawmakers seeking more definitive answers.
During the hearing, it was revealed by an FBI assistant director that the agency has yet to connect these drone sightings to any specific individual or group, leaving open the possibility of various explanations, from foreign surveillance to domestic hobbyists. This lack of clarity has led to a spectrum of theories circulating on social media, including outlandish claims of foreign adversaries or secret military tests.
The FBI has urged the public to report any sightings, with a special emphasis on capturing video or photographic evidence to aid in their investigation. Meanwhile, local officials, including several mayors from affected towns, have called for increased transparency and decisive action, with some suggesting the declaration of a limited state of emergency to address the situation more aggressively.
Mystery Drones Over New Jersey: Congressman Alleges Iranian and Chinese Origins
December 11, 2024 - New Jersey
In a startling revelation, Congressman Jeff Van Drew, representing New Jersey, announced during an interview on Fox News that the drones recently sighted over the Garden State are allegedly from Iran and China. According to Van Drew, a "credible, high-level source" informed him that these drones were launched from a "mothership" stationed off the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.
Van Drew emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "These drones should be shot down," and highlighted that the military was on heightened alert due to this development. His comments came amidst ongoing investigations into the mysterious drone activities that have puzzled both residents and authorities across New Jersey.
However, the Pentagon swiftly denied these claims. In a press briefing, Deputy Defense Secretary Sabrina Singh stated, "There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there's no so-called 'mothership' launching drones towards the United States." Singh affirmed that there's no evidence suggesting these activities stem from a foreign entity or adversary.
The congressman did not disclose the identity of his sources, citing confidentiality. The speculation around these drone sightings has ranged widely, from potential Chinese espionage to domestic hobbyists, but Van Drew's assertion marks a significant escalation in the narrative.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, addressing the issue, has acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that despite numerous sightings, including 49 reported on a single day, there's no immediate threat to public safety. Local and federal authorities, including the FBI, are actively investigating these occurrences, urging the public to report any further sightings to aid in their inquiries.
Pentagon Denies Iranian 'Mothership' Claims, Mystery Over NJ Drone Sightings Deepens
Washington, DC - In a firm rebuttal to earlier claims by a New Jersey congressman, the Pentagon has denied any evidence linking the mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey to an Iranian "mothership" off the U.S. East Coast. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters that the Department of Defense has "no evidence that these activities are coming from a foreign entity or the work of an adversary."
The controversy began when Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew suggested on Fox News that the drones seen over New Jersey might be launched from an Iranian vessel stationed offshore. Van Drew, citing "very high sources," had claimed, "Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones."
However, Singh categorically dismissed these assertions, stating, "There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there's no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States." She further clarified that the drones in question are not U.S. military drones and that the matter is under investigation by local law enforcement.
The sightings, which have baffled residents and piqued national security concerns, have been occurring for weeks in the night skies of central and northern New Jersey. These drones have been noted for their unusual size—reportedly as large as SUVs—and have been seen near critical infrastructure, including military installations and President-elect Trump's Bedminster golf club.
The Pentagon's statement has left the origin of these drones shrouded in mystery. "At this time, we have no evidence that these activities are coming from a foreign entity or the work of an adversary," Singh emphasized, suggesting that the source of these drones remains unknown.
Local law enforcement and the FBI are actively investigating the incidents, with over 3,000 reports logged since the sightings began, yet there has been no indication of an immediate threat to public safety. New Jersey officials, including Governor Phil Murphy, have met with the Department of Homeland Security to discuss these unusual sightings, but the response has left some local leaders feeling uninformed and frustrated.
This situation has sparked a demand for more transparency from federal authorities, with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker among those calling for clearer communication on the issue. The lack of definitive answers has fueled speculation and debate, with some residents and officials suspecting foreign surveillance or even testing of new technology, while others entertain the possibility of advanced hobbyist activities.
Comments