Lawmakers are pushing for more information about mysterious drone sightings , including some near military installations.
A federal official said Thursday that the FBI is the lead agency investigating along with the New Jersey state police. Local law enforcement are also investigating.
Multiple sightings have also been reported in parts of New York City, suburban Rockland County, several counties in eastern Pennsylvania, and in Maryland. The NYPD said Thursday that multiple drones were seen flying over a neighborhood in the Bronx, but soon after officers responded to calls about the sightings, the drones disappeared.
What have authorities said about the drone sightings?
"Based on everything we know," Murphy said, "there is no public safety risk we're aware of. On the other hand, is it frustrating to not have more answers on this? Is it frustrating to not have a source for these things? Yes."
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that "we have not been able to corroborate any of the reported visual sightings" and that many of the drones are manned aircraft being operated lawfully.
An FBI official earlier this week told Congress that the FBI has received over 3,000 tips from the public about these incursions, which are mostly occurring at night.
On Thursday, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration requesting a briefing "as soon as possible on how your agencies are working with federal and local law enforcement to identify and address the source of these incursions."
The drones were first spotted near Morris County , in northern New Jersey, in mid-November. Since then, there have been reports of low flying drones throughout the Garden State, and they have been reported over Staten Island , other areas of New York City, northwest of the city in Rockland County, and several counties in Pennsylvania as well.
Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan said he "personally witnessed (and videoed) what appeared to be dozens of large drones in the sky above my residence in Davidsonville, Maryland (25 miles from our nation's capital). I observed the activity for approximately 45 minutes," beginning at about 9:45 p.m. Thursday night.
CBS Philadelphia reports multiple drones flew into the airspace over Naval Weapons Station Earle, in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
"While no direct threats to the installation have been identified, we can confirm multiple instances of unidentified drones entering the airspace above Naval Weapons Station Earle," a public affairs officer confirmed in a statement. "The base remains prepared to respond to any potential risks, leveraging robust security measures and advanced detection capabilities."
Where are the drones coming from?
"Our initial assessment is that this is not the work of a foreign adversary or a foreign entity," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said on Wednesday.
After assessing that the drones are not a threat to military installations, the Pentagon is leaving it up to local law enforcement and the FBI to investigate the origins and type of drones.
Singh said the drones were not U.S. military drones, and she refuted an idea presented by Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey that there was an Iranian "mothership" off the East Coast of the United States launching the drones.
Why not shoot them down?
Some lawmakers have called for shooting down the drones to analyze them, but others have voiced concern over falling debris endangering highly populated areas.
Singh, the Pentagon deputy press secretary, said base commanders have the authority to shoot them down if they pose a threat to military installations, but so far, there hasn't been a threat.
U.S. Northern Command, which oversees protecting the territory of the United States, said in a statement that it has not received requests from local law enforcement to assist.
"We are aware and monitoring the reports of unauthorized drone flights in the vicinity of military installations in New Jersey to include Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, and we refer you to those installations for information on any efforts they are may be conducting to ensure the safety and security of their personnel and operations," the statement said.
Is this a one-of-a-kind incident?
This drone mystery falls on the heels of others in the past year or so.
One of the most notable cases was in December 2023, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia reported multiple drone incursions throughout that December. In a statement at the time, the base said that the number of drones fluctuated and they ranged in size and configuration.
The head of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) Gen. Gregory Guillot told Congress earlier this year during testimony that, "Drones are certainly an increasing threat. We see them on average reported that, that are detected in the NORTHCOM [area of responsibility] is anywhere from two to five a week over installations, military installations."
Difficult to believe our intelligence hasn't already checked these out, as they appear to be large enough that they would need to be licensed and registered or what ever one does with say an Ultralight.
For if they were found to be Iranian as I heard the other day, with an Iranian 'Mother Ship' off our Eastern Coast, I'd say that was a major security breach, but I'll not speculate yet. I know people that track these things as they feel they are being spied on, to which I comment , I don't give a flying fck, but only because I don't yet fly. As why should one care if being a law abiding citizen, but if the Iranian rumor were true, it is worthy of more thought and definitely should be looked into by Homeland Security, our Airforce, hell, put Trumps Space Force or whatever that was called on it. Either way, we deserve some answers, as I know people who claim they have video of them, and they do live in areas where sightings were reported. Heck of a way to deliver a suitcase Nuke, no ?
Somehow, i think that they have already been given such ideas, i was just pointing to the obvious risks drones do present,and a Xmass murdering present it could be, if left under an X mass murdering Xmass tree....
IMO the media is trying to build a clickbait story. The nearest airport to Mendham, NJ, is Morristown Muni Airport (KMMU). Flightaware shows a lot of light aircraft traffic out of and into Morristown airport. There are also four flight schools located at Morristown airport.
There have been a number of NOTAMS concerning unmanned vehicles at surrounding airports. These are notifications of planned flights of unmanned aircraft. Notice that some of these NOTAMS have been active for several months.
The available information indicates that there is a lot of light aircraft and unmanned aircraft traffic in the area. There may have been changes to airspace restrictions that has changed traffic patterns, I don't know. And I haven't researched what is going on at surrounding airports. What has been reported seems consistent with the available info I have found. An intrepid reporter should be able to track down even more info if they wanted to.
My first guess is something to do with corporate espionage. It could be a foreign or even a domestic competitor. Simply knowing the depth of inventory on competitors lots is something auto, truck and large equipment companies will pay to ascertain. So much so that there are companies that clandestinely check inventory for competitors...
Well, we had a huge balloon drifting across the US recently. Now we have unidentified drones doing heaven knows what. Whatever they are doing is a possible violation of US airspace, and the "authorities" need to know what's going on.....which I suspect they do.
I see no harm in intercepting one and shooting it down, since we have that capability.
It’s probably the same aliens that are mysteriously sapping the intelligence out of humanity so they willfully destroy themselves. What else could explain someone believing Donald Trump and supporting him?
That’s nice. How has Biden negatively impacted your life? I bet there’s not a single member here that has a reasonable answer to that question. You and Greg obviously don’t.
Nah but accepting reality is impossible for the triggered. Delusion and denial removes what little honesty they may have once had but hey …… whatever helps them sleep at night.
I’m asking you, Greg, and every raging anti-Biden NT member how Biden has financially or otherwise hurt you personally. Why is this so hard for you guys? Just answer the question. No links, just honest personal assessment? Can you do that?
A link is a link. It’s not what you are clearly being asked for. Why are you so petrified of answering the question? Life under Biden must have been embarrassingly good for you and every other anti Biden drama queen here.
If that were true you’d be saying why that is. This is the perfect way for you to make your case about how Biden’s policies have hurt you personally. [removed] [✘] Tell us how he hurt you. This is a safe space.
Sara Haines , one of the panelists on The View, said a few minutes ago that these could not be hobby , or recreational drones , because the drones people are seeing could cost up to a million dollars. Her problem is she has no way of knowing what these "drones" are. Recreational drones are flown at night, as long as they have lights
Yes , both Part 107-licensed and recreational drone pilots can now fly their drones at night without having to apply for a waiver. However, drones flying at night need to be equipped with appropriate anti-collision lights that are visible up to a distance of three statute miles.
My own feeling is that most if not all of this present hysteria is due to people sending drones up as copycats , and misidentification of airplanes or celestial objects like Venus.
My guess is they could be foriegn operated, whether Iranian, Chinese, Russian, or others using these drones to test response and reaction times by the authorities. If that is the case we have certainly given them what they were looking for.
My opinion is it is one of two things
a publicity stunt for an upcoming commercial event like a movie or tv series
or
drone users copy catting one another
but
soon there will be full blown hysteria if this is not addressed by authorities
A clear and present danger to all Americans.
Hopefully I’m wrong …….
Mainstream media is starting to pay a lot of attention
Lawmakers are pushing for more information about mysterious drone sightings , including some near military installations.
A federal official said Thursday that the FBI is the lead agency investigating along with the New Jersey state police. Local law enforcement are also investigating.
Multiple sightings have also been reported in parts of New York City, suburban Rockland County, several counties in eastern Pennsylvania, and in Maryland. The NYPD said Thursday that multiple drones were seen flying over a neighborhood in the Bronx, but soon after officers responded to calls about the sightings, the drones disappeared.
What have authorities said about the drone sightings?
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said during a call-in program on Wednesday night that he would be bringing up the issue with the White House on Thursday but assured constituents that the drones as of now don't appear to pose a safety threat.
"Based on everything we know," Murphy said, "there is no public safety risk we're aware of. On the other hand, is it frustrating to not have more answers on this? Is it frustrating to not have a source for these things? Yes."
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that "we have not been able to corroborate any of the reported visual sightings" and that many of the drones are manned aircraft being operated lawfully.
An FBI official earlier this week told Congress that the FBI has received over 3,000 tips from the public about these incursions, which are mostly occurring at night.
On Thursday, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration requesting a briefing "as soon as possible on how your agencies are working with federal and local law enforcement to identify and address the source of these incursions."
The FAA said Thursday that at the request of federal partners, it had published two temporary flight restrictions prohibiting drone flights over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster .
Where have the drones been spotted?
The drones were first spotted near Morris County , in northern New Jersey, in mid-November. Since then, there have been reports of low flying drones throughout the Garden State, and they have been reported over Staten Island , other areas of New York City, northwest of the city in Rockland County, and several counties in Pennsylvania as well.
Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan said he "personally witnessed (and videoed) what appeared to be dozens of large drones in the sky above my residence in Davidsonville, Maryland (25 miles from our nation's capital). I observed the activity for approximately 45 minutes," beginning at about 9:45 p.m. Thursday night.
CBS Philadelphia reports multiple drones flew into the airspace over Naval Weapons Station Earle, in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
"While no direct threats to the installation have been identified, we can confirm multiple instances of unidentified drones entering the airspace above Naval Weapons Station Earle," a public affairs officer confirmed in a statement. "The base remains prepared to respond to any potential risks, leveraging robust security measures and advanced detection capabilities."
Where are the drones coming from?
"Our initial assessment is that this is not the work of a foreign adversary or a foreign entity," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said on Wednesday.
After assessing that the drones are not a threat to military installations, the Pentagon is leaving it up to local law enforcement and the FBI to investigate the origins and type of drones.
Singh said the drones were not U.S. military drones, and she refuted an idea presented by Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey that there was an Iranian "mothership" off the East Coast of the United States launching the drones.
Why not shoot them down?
Some lawmakers have called for shooting down the drones to analyze them, but others have voiced concern over falling debris endangering highly populated areas.
Singh, the Pentagon deputy press secretary, said base commanders have the authority to shoot them down if they pose a threat to military installations, but so far, there hasn't been a threat.
U.S. Northern Command, which oversees protecting the territory of the United States, said in a statement that it has not received requests from local law enforcement to assist.
"We are aware and monitoring the reports of unauthorized drone flights in the vicinity of military installations in New Jersey to include Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, and we refer you to those installations for information on any efforts they are may be conducting to ensure the safety and security of their personnel and operations," the statement said.
Is this a one-of-a-kind incident?
This drone mystery falls on the heels of others in the past year or so.
One of the most notable cases was in December 2023, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia reported multiple drone incursions throughout that December. In a statement at the time, the base said that the number of drones fluctuated and they ranged in size and configuration.
The head of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) Gen. Gregory Guillot told Congress earlier this year during testimony that, "Drones are certainly an increasing threat. We see them on average reported that, that are detected in the NORTHCOM [area of responsibility] is anywhere from two to five a week over installations, military installations."
How about using the Jewish Space Lasers? Would you need MTG's permission?
Difficult to believe our intelligence hasn't already checked these out, as they appear to be large enough that they would need to be licensed and registered or what ever one does with say an Ultralight.
For if they were found to be Iranian as I heard the other day, with an Iranian 'Mother Ship' off our Eastern Coast, I'd say that was a major security breach, but I'll not speculate yet. I know people that track these things as they feel they are being spied on, to which I comment , I don't give a flying fck, but only because I don't yet fly. As why should one care if being a law abiding citizen, but if the Iranian rumor were true, it is worthy of more thought and definitely should be looked into by Homeland Security, our Airforce, hell, put Trumps Space Force or whatever that was called on it. Either way, we deserve some answers, as I know people who claim they have video of them, and they do live in areas where sightings were reported. Heck of a way to deliver a suitcase Nuke, no ?
We are being probed. And not in the way that excites you iggy …..
ah shux
Stop giving people ideas!
Somehow, i think that they have already been given such ideas, i was just pointing to the obvious risks drones do present,and a Xmass murdering present it could be, if left under an X mass murdering Xmass tree....
IMO the media is trying to build a clickbait story. The nearest airport to Mendham, NJ, is Morristown Muni Airport (KMMU). Flightaware shows a lot of light aircraft traffic out of and into Morristown airport. There are also four flight schools located at Morristown airport.
There have been a number of NOTAMS concerning unmanned vehicles at surrounding airports. These are notifications of planned flights of unmanned aircraft. Notice that some of these NOTAMS have been active for several months.
The available information indicates that there is a lot of light aircraft and unmanned aircraft traffic in the area. There may have been changes to airspace restrictions that has changed traffic patterns, I don't know. And I haven't researched what is going on at surrounding airports. What has been reported seems consistent with the available info I have found. An intrepid reporter should be able to track down even more info if they wanted to.
My first guess is something to do with corporate espionage. It could be a foreign or even a domestic competitor. Simply knowing the depth of inventory on competitors lots is something auto, truck and large equipment companies will pay to ascertain. So much so that there are companies that clandestinely check inventory for competitors...
Well, we had a huge balloon drifting across the US recently. Now we have unidentified drones doing heaven knows what. Whatever they are doing is a possible violation of US airspace, and the "authorities" need to know what's going on.....which I suspect they do.
I see no harm in intercepting one and shooting it down, since we have that capability.
It’s probably the same aliens that are mysteriously sapping the intelligence out of humanity so they willfully destroy themselves. What else could explain someone believing Donald Trump and supporting him?
Many, many things ….. for the non triggered.
And of course you can explain none of them.
[✘]
So you're saying that anyone who supported and voted Trump is uneducated and of low intelligence?
All I’m saying is that it is a mystery why anyone would vote against their own interests, particularly when it is so damn obvious.
Please tell us how voting for Harris and continuing Biden's insane policies would have been in the best interests of most American people.
My last four years have been fine. They were even ok when Trump was in office. How has Biden negatively impacted your life?
Well, the electorate felt differently. COVID doesn’t happen, Trump wins in a landslide in 2020. And then there is 2024
Harris lost in 2024 because of what happened in …. Well …. 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
To view it any other way is simple denial.
That’s nice. How has Biden negatively impacted your life? I bet there’s not a single member here that has a reasonable answer to that question. You and Greg obviously don’t.
Wrong again but I won’t bother discussing it with you. That would be a fools errand and I’m not fool regardless of what my friends on the left think.
Really ….
I won’t bother discussing it with you.
Shocker. Honest conversation is anathema to the right.
Nah but accepting reality is impossible for the triggered. Delusion and denial removes what little honesty they may have once had but hey …… whatever helps them sleep at night.
Why do you bother posting when you dont say anything
Oh I say plenty. That some of my friends on the left remain deluded and in denial about that is not even a minor concern for me
I just feel sorry for their petty little, hate filled lives.
It is very sad.
Just sad …..
giggle snort
Triggered? Lol, what in your opinion has “triggered” me? I’m not the one refusing to answer simple questions.
Increase" Item 2019 2024 % Increase
DOZEN EGGS $1.41 $3.65 160
FROZEN ORANGE JUICE $2.26 $4.31 90
SUGAR $0.59 $1.00 70
COFFEE $4.20 $6.87 64
SOFT DRINKS (12 PACK) $0.34 $0.55 60
GROUND BEEF $3.81 $5.63 48
RICE $0.72 $1.06 47
STEAK $5.79 $8.16 41
UTILITY GAS $1.06 $1.49 41
WHITE BREAD $1.36 $1.92 41
WHEAT BREAD $1.94 $2.72 40
ROUND ROAST $5.21 $7.14 37
CHICKEN BREAST $2.94 $4.01 36
COOKIES $3.60 $4.92 36
YOGURT (8 OUNCES) $1.14 $1.51 33
BONELESS HAM $4.25 $5.63 32
ELECTRICITY (KW HOUR) $0.13 $0.18 32
FLOUR $0.42 $0.55 32
ICE CREAM (HALF GALLON) $4.94 $6.45 31
MILK (HALF GALLON) $3.19 $4.14 30
PORK CHOPS $3.40 $4.43 30
BUTTER $3.71 $4.79 29
GRAPEFRUIT $1.32 $1.71 29
BEEF FOR STEW $5.79 $7.43 28
MALT BEVERAGES $1.42 $1.81
Just a quick search should answer that for most people...
I’m asking you, Greg, and every raging anti-Biden NT member how Biden has financially or otherwise hurt you personally. Why is this so hard for you guys? Just answer the question. No links, just honest personal assessment? Can you do that?
Now that's just funny, the answer is right there in the link. That you want more, indicates that you're not really interested in the answer...
A link is a link. It’s not what you are clearly being asked for. Why are you so petrified of answering the question? Life under Biden must have been embarrassingly good for you and every other anti Biden drama queen here.
Was it "embarrassingly good for you"?
Was it "embarrassingly good for you"?
No. It was good for me, but I was never embarrassed about it. For the umpteenth time, was it good for you?
No.
If that were true you’d be saying why that is. This is the perfect way for you to make your case about how Biden’s policies have hurt you personally. [removed] [✘] Tell us how he hurt you. This is a safe space.
[removed][✘]
I’m sorry that Biden’s policies mysteriously hurt you so [deeply.deleted][✘]
Are you trying to say that under Biden’s oppressive regime you were forced into a 1960’s stock boy job?
No. You seem to have an issue with comprehension...
Sad little hate filled lives …..
See 8.2.13, apply liberally, lather, rinse and repeat endlessly.
Greg seems to care enough to continue to beat that rented mule. I tired of it long ago.
Evidence of a bunch of immature people with too much time and money on their hands?
Bingo! That's what I think it is. Kids with early Xmas presents or men who are perpetuating a hoax and trying to scare people
Sara Haines , one of the panelists on The View, said a few minutes ago that these could not be hobby , or recreational drones , because the drones people are seeing could cost up to a million dollars. Her problem is she has no way of knowing what these "drones" are. Recreational drones are flown at night, as long as they have lights
My own feeling is that most if not all of this present hysteria is due to people sending drones up as copycats , and misidentification of airplanes or celestial objects like Venus.
My guess is they could be foriegn operated, whether Iranian, Chinese, Russian, or others using these drones to test response and reaction times by the authorities. If that is the case we have certainly given them what they were looking for.
Arvo..yeah nah.. it's just us seeing if there are any intelligent life forms left with you mob after your election..
We come well armed..with Vegemite in the hope it increases brain activity and if it is worth invading your country...
So far it is looking a bit grim..
Nah, only to the triggered. Interestingly, even some of them are coming around. Might not recognize it here but there it is.
Yeah, because we Yanks aren't gonna eat your Vegemite
Morning..
You shall convert!!
We have ways and means..
must....resist....
Morning..
To late your cactus..
Could be a bunch of 12 year olds screwing with people.
Perhaps Orson Wells has returned from the dead just to scare the shit out of New Jersey one more time!!