In a joint statement issued 12 December 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI said that a wave of reported drone sightings in New Jersey does not pose a national security or public safety threat.
The joint agency statement further disclosed that there is no evidence to connect aerial phenomena which are being reported in and around the state of New Jersey with a foreign adversary.
Despite this, the findings of the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI appear to be unconvincing, at least according to scores of witnesses, and to several local and government figures. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick issued the following statement:
“I sent an urgent letter to the DHS, FBI, and FAA calling for immediate answers and decisive action regarding the increasing reports of unexplained drone activity. The safety and security of our community, our neighbors, and our nation depend on transparency and accountability from our federal agencies who have a responsibility to keep us safe. I will remain vigilant in my pursuit to uncover any and all facts surrounding this ongoing incident.”
Ongoing Aerial Sightings in New Jersey
New Jersey has found itself enveloped in a continuing shroud of mystery as nightly reports of unidentified drone sightings continue to flood in.
These weren’t your average hobbyist drones; witnesses have described large, aerial objects gliding across the night sky. Some have been reported as glowing orbs, whilst some were described as being the size of a small car. Many have been documented operating with impunity near sensitive locations like military bases and critical infrastructure.
The sightings sparked a flurry of speculation, with theories ranging from the mundane to the downright bizarre. Some have suggested advanced surveillance technology, while others leaned towards extra-terrestrial activity. Amidst the chaos, law enforcement agencies and federal authorities have scrambled to investigate, but answers remained elusive.
Thousands of Reports
One of the most intriguing aspects of the case was the sheer volume of reports. People from all walks of life, from seasoned pilots to ordinary citizens, claimed to have witnessed these mysterious drones. Social media has been awash with videos and photos, capturing multiple objects in flight.
A review of several videos and photographs reveal many to be simply conventional aircraft. Other aerial objects appear to exhibit the flight characteristics of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
A recent statement issued by the White House National Security Spokesman similarly attributes the aerial phenomena to manned aircraft:
“We have not been able to, and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities, corroborate any of the reported visual sightings. To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully.”
Some Remain Harder to Explain
Whilst many reported sightings can be explained as simply being conventional aircraft, other documented sightings become harder to explain. Reports which include videos of glowing orbs and other aerial phenomena exhibiting more unusual flight characteristics are also on record.
Who, What and Why?
As the mystery continues, several key questions emerge:
- Who is behind these drones? Extensive efforts to answer this question have been made by multiple US agencies. Despite this, no definitive culprit or origin has been formally identified.
- What is their purpose? Are they simply surveillance tools, or do they serve a more sinister intent?
- How are they evading detection? The drones seem to operate with remarkable stealth, avoiding radar and other detection systems. A recent report by New Jersey officials claims that they are operating on an “unidentifiable frequency”.
Reports Contradict DHS/FBI Claims
Michael Melham, Mayor of Belleville, NJ has spoken in a briefing with other state mayors. Contradictory to the DHA/FBI and White House claim that “there have been no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace”, Melham reports objects flying over critical infrastructure. He speaks of objects “not being detected” despite the “best detection equipment in nation”.
United States Northern Command also confirmed that they were aware of reports of “unauthorized drone flights in the vicinity of military installations in New Jersey Including Picatinny State Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle.” The Picatinny Arsenal base commander also made reference to 11 confirmed sightings at the facility.
Some experts believe the sightings could be attributed to advanced drone technology perhaps developed by foreign adversaries. Others suggest a more mundane explanation, such as a coordinated effort by hobbyists or researchers.
For now, the New Jersey drone mystery continues unabated and unresolved, leaving us with more questions than answers. So far, reports made by US authorities contradict one another. As investigations continue, one can only hope that the truth will eventually be revealed, shedding light on this perplexing phenomenon. The American public deserve transparency and full disclosure.
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