Phantom Skies: Nightly Drone Sightings Across New Jersey Spark Alarm Over Safety and Security
In recent weeks, an unsettling phenomenon has gripped New Jersey and nearby states as unidentified drones are being spotted hovering ominously near sensitive areas like military bases and public airports. The nightly appearances of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), some reportedly emerging from the ocean before vanishing into the night with lights off, have left residents unnerved and lawmakers demanding urgent action.
One of the most vocal responses has come from Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who minced no words when addressing the potential threat. “We have no idea where these drones come from, who owns them. They should be shot down, if necessary, because they’re flying over sensitive areas, whether it’s planes that may be jeopardized or security at military bases,” he stated.
Growing Concerns in the Skies
The incidents are multiplying, with drone activity reported near critical sites such as New Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal and the Raritan River, as well as Langley Military Base in Virginia, which experienced 17 consecutive nights of drone activity in October. Residents across these regions have captured footage of what they describe as “dozens of drones flying around” in coordinated patterns.
“These drones are becoming an almost nightly occurrence,” said a New Jersey resident who managed to record the activity. “It’s eerie, and no one seems to know what’s happening.”
Lawmakers, however, are not satisfied with the silence from federal agencies. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has criticized the lack of transparency, warning that it fuels public fear and the spread of disinformation.
“There hasn’t been enough clarity on what’s going on over our skies,” Booker said. “It’s a disservice to the public when people are left in the dark about potential risks in their own communities.”
Threats to National Security?
While the origins of the drones remain a mystery, speculations abound. Pentagon officials have denied involvement of U.S. military drones, raising concerns about foreign adversaries. Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) suggested the possibility of sophisticated foreign operations, such as a mothership deployed by Iran. Others have pointed fingers at China, citing their expanding drone technology.
However, the White House has sought to downplay fears of a foreign threat. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
For some lawmakers, this reassurance is not enough. Republican Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) pointed to the troubling vulnerability such incidents expose. “It’s a bit embarrassing… If we’re allowing a major population center to have four weeks of drones and dozens of sightings in a given 24-hour period, what would prevent this from happening in every major city?” he questioned. “We’ve got to get control over our airspace.”
Unanswered Questions, Growing Urgency
The recurring drone activity has raised alarm bells not only among residents but also within federal agencies. Lawmakers are now calling for congressional hearings to demand answers from the FAA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the Pentagon.
John Kirby reiterated that investigations are still in their infancy. “We’re at the beginning here, not the end,” he said. “There’s a lot more work to be done. And we’re working closely with state and local authorities to gain more information.”
As the sightings continue, the U.S. government faces mounting pressure to secure the nation’s airspace and uncover the truth. Until then, the skies over New Jersey and beyond remain shrouded in mystery, leaving millions to wonder: who – or what – is watching from above?
