2024 New Jersey drone sightings

In late November 2024, large, unidentified drones began appearing during nighttime hours over multiple counties in New Jersey, including Morris and Somerset counties.[1][2] Sightings were eventually reported in at least 12 different counties in New Jersey and on Staten Island.[3][4] The origin of the drones is not publicly known and investigations are ongoing.[5]

Patterns of sightings and affected areas The drones were observed flying over residential areas and critical infrastructure, such as power lines, railroads, and highways.[6] They were also sighted near Naval Weapons Station Earle, Round Valley Reservoir, and Hunterdon County's emergency communications center.[6][5] Sightings were particularly concentrated along the Raritan River corridor.[6][7]

The drones often appeared in groups, emitting a loud humming noise and, in some instances, flying alongside what may have been a fixed-wing aircraft.[8] Witnesses described some drones as being as large as SUVs and capable of operating in strong winds.[9][10]

The drones disrupted aviation operations, including a medevac helicopter mission on November 26, 2024, which was delayed from transporting a seriously injured patient due to drone interference near Branchburg.[11] The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented temporary flight restrictions over sensitive sites such as the Picatinny Arsenal and President-elect Trump’s Bedminster golf club.[6]

Investigation and official responses The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the FBI, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.[5] Authorities emphasized that there was no known threat to public safety but encouraged the public to report sightings.[1] Governor Phil Murphy met with United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to discuss the situation.[5] Meanwhile, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis requested briefings from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.[3]

Sgt. Kevin Fennessy of the Ocean County Sheriff's Drone Department reported that their department does not know the origin or purpose of these drones. Efforts are being made to map sightings in cooperation with New Jersey State Police and the Office of Homeland Security.[5] Local law enforcement officials expressed concerns about the drones' potentially "nefarious" nature.[6]

Various theories have circulated among the public, ranging from foreign surveillance to unidentified flying objects. However, authorities have not confirmed any explanations.[7] The FBI's Newark field office has requested anyone with relevant information to come forward.[6]

See also 2024 US air base drone incursions in the United Kingdom References

Shipkowski, Bruce (December 4, 2024). "FBI investigating reports of large drones flying in New Jersey, seeks public's help". AP News.


Caloway, Nick (December 3, 2024). "Video shows drones circling the skies of New Jersey. Here's what the FBI is doing about them". CBS New York.

Maxfield, Jen (7 December 2024). "FAA imposes flight restrictions as NJ drone mystery extends to Staten Island". NBC New York. Retrieved 7 December 2024.

"NJ drone sightings: State officials accused of knowing more than they're telling". YouTube. Fox News. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.

Murdoch, Jim (December 6, 2024). "Officials: More drones spotted across New Jersey, this time at the Jersey Shore". News 12. Retrieved 7 December 2024.

McFadden, Alyce (December 7, 2024). "Unidentified Drones Light Up New Jersey's Skies, Baffling Residents". The New York Times.

Martin, Saleen; Westhoven, William; Morel, Kyle (December 4, 2024). "Drone sightings reported over New Jersey, now FBI involved. Here's what we know so far". Daily Record. Retrieved 7 December 2024.

Cervantes, Fernando Jr. (December 7, 2024). "More drone sightings reported in New Jersey as officials investigate: Here's what to know". USA TODAY. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
Alexander, Dan (December 5, 2024). "Mysterious drone sightings puzzle New Jersey residents". New Jersey 101.5.

Hughes, Ryan; Cavallo, Matthew; Brandt, Joe; Gardiner, Tom (7 December 2024). "Mysterious drones seen near New Jersey Trump golf course after Gov. Murphy, FBI respond to other sightings". CBS Philadelphia. Retrieved 8 December 2024.

Kelley, Tina (December 4, 2024). "Mystery drones kept helicopter from taking patient to N.J. hospital, college says". NJ.com.

Footnotes

Article courtesy Wikipeda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_New_Jersey_drone_sightings