Headline
Unresolved Drone Appearances Lead to Ban in Over a Dozen New Jersey Urban Areas, Reveals FAA (Revised)
The Federal Aviation Administration implemented drone restraints in 22 New Jersey cities on a weekday, citing safety concerns, following reported drone sightings in the area. Officials have been unable to advance a legislative response, and public fascination with the sightings remains high.
Primary Facts
The FAA enacted "temporary flight prohibitions," banning unauthorized drone usage in 22 New Jersey cities until January 17. The limitations expanded on the FAA's previous restrictions over Picatinny Arsenal and Bedminster.
The restrictions were instituted due to "specific security reasons," the FAA stated. The FAA warning indicates authorities might employ measures to capture and detain individuals who violate these limitations—with the power to use "lethal force" against drones deemed threats, as various sources reported.
On Wednesday, Paul rejected an immediate push for a legislative bill by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., aimed at granting the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice the authority to monitor, track, control, and destroy any harmless drones – a bill that Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., tried to speed up by requesting unanimous consent on the Senate floor.
Paul stated that existing government procedures protect drone-free zones in critical areas and described the legislative action as an invasion of privacy; he suggested that the Biden Administration clarify the reported drone situation, stating, "There is either a problem or no problem."
President Biden publicly addressed the reported drones for the first time on Tuesday at the White House, claiming, "They're examining everything," but that it appears "there's nothing nefarious" and is yet to pose any risk.
The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base detected "small unmanned aerial systems" of various sizes and forms late Monday and early Tuesday, though the airspace was unaffected by the intrusions, a statement issued by Bob Purtiman, the base's public affairs head, indicated - just days after drone sightings closed the facilities temporarily.
In a joint statement, the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA, and Defense Department reported examining the probable leads from over 5,000 drone sightings, concluding that "the sightings to date" involved commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, and manned aircraft, as well as misidentified planes and stars.
The agencies further explained that they have yet to identify anything peculiar and that the reported activity does not pose a potential national security or public safety risk over New Jersey's and surrounding states' airspace.
The agencies urged Congress to enact counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) legislation when it reconvenes, as such legislation would enhance and broaden existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any prospective danger.
President-elect Donald Trump, prior to waxing silent on the possibility of receiving an intelligence briefing, communicated to reporters on Monday that drones "aren't the enemy." He maintained that the president, government, and military "understand what's occurring" but choose to maintain public suspense.
Trump also declared that he chose to "cancel" a visit to Bedminster—a region with reported drone activity and home to one of his golf clubs.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas verbalized to ABC News on December 15, "Yes, people are observing drones," although some recent sightings in New Jersey and other Eastern seaboard states might involve manned aircraft or duplicate reports.
Mayorkas indicated that officials continue to send additional resources to investigate the sightings and will update the public if necessary – "We're on it," he stated – but to date, there's no indication of foreign involvement.
In a comparable perspective, an unnamed FBI official revealed in a White House gathering that fewer than 100 of the agency's 5,000 drone sighting tips have warranted further investigation, and modeling suggesting many of the sightings took place in major airport flight paths resulting from a misunderstanding, with people mistaking planes for drones.
Despite ongoing reported drone sightings, the uptick has raised concerns across multiple states, with social media users sharing videos of hovering lit objects at night, and state officials petitioning the federal government for clarity.
The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, located several miles from Dayton, Ohio, which houses technology and research facilities, operated for nearly four hours with closed air operations due to "small unmanned aerial systems" on a weekend evening, though the facility was unaffected, Purtiman informed various local sources.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared on December 15 that federal officials will dispatch a "drone detection system" to her state, and she advocated that Congress offer the state "the power to deal directly with the drones." This idea is also supported by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, while Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., calls for Congress to issue local policemen "more tools" to deal with drone activities.
Hochul earlier disclosed that drone activity forced Stewart Airfield north of New York City to close its runways for about an hour the evening of December 13, and she added, "This has gone too far."
Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., shared multiple videos on a platform, showcasing supposed drone encounters he experienced while out with law enforcement on Dec. 12, late at night. He pointed out that the drone movements seemed unusual compared to planes, although he later conceded that "detailed analysis" suggested most of the sightings were likely aircraft.
Connecticut state Sen. Tony Hwang issued a statement on Dec. 13, mentioning potential unauthorized drone incidents in Fairfield, Connecticut. He emphasized the importance of proactively seeking answers, even if steps like shooting down drones become necessary.
Michael Melham, the mayor of Belleville, New Jersey, told Fox News that the state's Emergency Management Office advised him to contact the county bomb squad immediately in case of a downed drone, and urged firefighters to wear protective gear around any fallen drone due to uncertainty about its payload.
The series of incidents began after New Jersey police announced on Nov. 19 that they had noticed drone activity within Morris County, located in the northwestern part of the state. They indicated they would investigate this activity, noting the widespread dissemination of rumors on social media, although there was no reported threat to public safety.
A police chief described the drones as being as large as a car and larger than those readily available to amateur flyers. Sightings have reportedly occurred nightly for the past two weeks, starting just after sunset and continuing into the early morning hours.
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Who Is Mick West?
West is an author and programmer. He established a reputation as an expert in debunking UFO sightings and conspiracy theories after building a brand centered around analyzing unidentified flying objects. Lately, he has argued that the apparent "drone" sightings in New Jersey are all aircraft, using evidence on a platform and discussing his findings in CNN interviews. He recommends providing precise details, including date, time, and location, for online videos of mysterious aircraft to facilitate information verification. An example of his recent work is an interview with Lucy Biggers, a social media editor at The Free Press, who shared drone sighting videos that gained widespread attention. Biggers subsequently shared the interview with West on her platform on Dec. 14, admitting the objects were indeed aircraft. West explained in the video how aviation data substantiated the aircraft identifications.
How Have Authorities Responded to Public Inquiries?
Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder addressed more than a dozen questions about drones during briefings on Dec. 13 and 14, stating that the department shares as much information as possible based on existing knowledge. Ryder emphasized that the drones do not pose a threat because they would likely have distinguishing features that could signal "something more significant." He also likened the drone sightings to familiar activities, such as observing a car passing by or witnessing a common neighborhood event. Although any random drone observed might be engaged in malicious activities, Ryder noted that the majority are not. Additionally, he suggested that the agency cannot establish a relationship at this time between the New Jersey drone incidents and the recent Wright-Patterson Air Force Base intrusions, implicating that occasional drone presence near a base is not entirely unusual. However, a cluster of sightings at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in 2023 was regarded as more unusual. Ryder explained that evaluating the potential domestic threat status of a drone is conducted on a case-by-case basis. Ryder mentioned that Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle received unspecified passive and active sensors to detect drones.
How Have People Reacted to Drone News?
Baseless speculations and allegedly doctored drone footage circulated online. Unsubstantiated claims that the U.S. government is operating the reported drones, possibly to search for radioactive materials, are gaining traction, fuelled in part by celebrities like Bethenny Frankel on TikTok, Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., advocating for government control, and podcast host Joe Rogan promoting a video suggesting the drones are secretly detecting radioactive material. Michael Melham, the mayor of Belleville, New Jersey, added fuel to the conspiracy theory during an interview with Fox 5 New York on Dec. 14, claiming that drones were everywhere while federal officials maintained that New Jersey officials lack sufficient information. Another long-standing conspiracy theory – Project Blue Beam – has resurfaced, suggesting that the government will exploit deceptive tactics, such as fabricating an alien invasion, to manipulate society.
Trump initially proposed on Dec. 13 without solid proof that the federal administration isn't disclosing all information concerning drones and advocated for their destruction if unidentified. This stance mirrors that of politicians like Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., who questions whether the U.S., with its military capabilities, is unaware of the nature of these airborne objects. In a post on Dec. 14 on Truth Social, Trump also criticized former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie about the sightings, sharing an image that seems to be manipulated by AI, featuring Christie surrounded by drones delivering McDonald's orders.
Can Drones Be Destroyed?
Trump isn't the only one pushing for drones to be annihilated. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., suggested removing the drones from the skies if necessary. Mayorkas from the Department of Homeland Security admitted that their authorities are limited to intercept drones. NBC News reported that federal laws regarding airspace can be intricate, maintaining that it's generally illegal for people to take down another individual's drone. Regarding this issue, the FBI's Newark office and New Jersey State Police declared on Dec. 14 that attempting to bring down drones with guns or lasers is dangerous and possibly fatal. They warned that people mistakenly targeting manned aircraft could cause serious consequences. Law enforcement officials plan to identify unlawful drone operators, but they cautioned potential fatal consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly.
What Measures Are Lawmakers Taking Against Drones?
Lack of capabilities to confront drone threats among states has ignited calls for federal legislation to provide them with greater authority. Gov. Hochul advocates for the reauthorization of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would extend the Department of Homeland Security's authority to track and investigate drones and grant state law enforcement the ability to respond to drone threats, which include the power to "disrupt control of, disable, damage, or destroy" them. Introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., the act is scheduled to expire on Dec. 20. Additionally, Senators Murphy and Schumer urged Congress to pass the Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, a bill that would also empower state and local law enforcement to track, disable, and destroy drones under the Department of Homeland Security's supervision. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., stated that he is drafting legislation that would authorize state and local government bodies to bring down drones, wondering, "Why can't we apprehend at least one of these drones and get to the bottom of it?"
What Information Do We Currently Have about the Reported Drone Sightings?
Almost no substantial intel, reported New Jersey Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia on Dec. 11. Fantasia's legislative meeting with the Department of Homeland Security revealed their investigation strategy, consisting of a coordinated effort led by the FBI with state police, the Office of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The extensive nightly sightings were described as "coordinated" operations involving drones up to six feet in diameter, which fly for hours and cover distances of more than fifteen miles, not related to "hobbyists" or the Department of Homeland Security, which "appear to evade detection by traditional methods (e.g., helicopters, radio frequencies)." They are also unconnected to military operations, as confirmed by the Picatinny Arsenal in a statement to NJ Advance Media on Nov. 24.
Where Have the Drones Been Spotted?
Reports of drone sightings have mainly surfaced in New Jersey, but there have also been reports from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. Twelve New Jersey counties, including Naval Weapons Station Earle and critical infrastructure in Florham Park, have recorded drone sightings. Unidentified drones have also been reported near Staten Island in New York City, including close to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis revealed sightings around Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, and Fairfield, Connecticut, while former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan shared a video of alleged "large drones" in Davidsonville, in-between Annapolis and Washington, D.C., although some of the lights featured in the video turned out to be stars. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey acknowledged a "rising number of drone sightings" in her state.
Authorities stated there's no sign of security concerns. The FBI and DHS posted a statement on Dec. 12, stating investigators haven't found "malicious activity" or a "national security or public safety threat" in New Jersey yet. They also haven't discovered a "foreign nexus" for the drones and will keep investigating. Many of the drone sightings have been "mistaken identities," confusing drones with legal, identified aircraft, according to the statement. At a briefing on Dec. 12, the White House's national security communications advisor, John Kirby, echoed the FBI's statement and claimed officials "have not been able to...corroborate any of the reported visual sightings."
Did The Drones Originate From An Iranian Ship?
According to the Pentagon, this is not true. Congressman Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ, claimed in an interview with Fox News on Dec. 11 that Iran launched a "mothership" containing the drones near the country's Eastern coastline about a month ago. The Pentagon's deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, refuted the claim at a briefing on Dec. 11, stating there's no Iranian ship off the U.S. coast and no "mothership" launching drones towards the U.S.
What Have Officials Said About The Investigation?
Officials in northeastern states have urged for information from the federal government about the drone sightings and urged Congress to give local police more authority over drones. More than 20 mayors in New Jersey signed a letter asking for "transparency" on Dec. 9, while Rep. Jon Bramnick requested a "limited state of emergency." All four senators representing New York and New Jersey have also asked for more federal resources and information. Senator Cory Booker, D-N.J., argued a lack of "transparency" has allowed "misinformation" to spread. Governor Murphy expressed frustration with the lack of answers about the drones' origin and purpose on Dec. 10. He added that the drones are "sophisticated" and "go dark" after someone sees them. Federal lawmakers held a hearing on Dec. 10 to discuss the drones, with several representatives expressing frustration, including Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., who advocated for broader action and described it as "serious." Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., wrote that the "lack of transparency" from the White House and Pentagon regarding the drones "is more than shameful."
Have Any Individuals Been Arrested For Operating Drones?
Police in Boston allegedly arrested two people on Dec. 14 for flying a drone "dangerously close" to Logan International Airport from an island in Boston Harbor, while a third is believed to have fled by boat. It's unclear if this arrest is connected to any of the sightings in the Northeast.
Miscellaneous
Drones have been spotted flying over four U.S. Air Force bases in the U.K., as per a report by The New York Times on Nov. 27. The Air Force stated the drones did not affect the bases, and a Defense Department official added they were still investigating the situation.
Background
Recreational and commercial drones have gained popularity, with almost a million registered by the FAA, leading to concerns about unsafe or malicious use. Drones are allowed in New Jersey for personal use and commercial projects, but the state requires pilots to earn a certification and adhere to federal guidelines for acceptable drone use. The FAA rules require recreational drones to stay within view of the pilot and usually not fly higher than 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace or in controlled areas like around airports without prior permission. Commercially available drones typically have a short battery life and can only last 10 minutes to about one hour in the air. If an unknown pilot doesn't follow these guidelines, it can be challenging to take down the drone. For example, unidentified aircraft were spotted at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia in 2023, and the Air Force could only take down the drones if they exhibited a clear threat, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Journal also reported that technological solutions for taking down the drones, such as signal jamming or destructive technology, would have been risky for citizens and planes. After these drone appearances, the Pentagon released a classified new approach to dealing with this issue, as per a report by Fox News.
Andy Kim, a Democratic congressman from New Jersey, has been sharing videos on a platform of supposed drone encounters he experienced while out with law enforcement, claiming that the drone movements seemed unusual compared to planes. However, after conducting a detailed analysis, it was found that most of the sightings were likely aircraft.
Chuck Schumer, a Democratic senator from New York, has called for Congress to issue local law enforcement "more tools" to deal with drone activities, as the uptick in reported drone sightings has raised concerns across multiple states.
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