What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
A large number mysterious drones There have been reports of flights over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, leading to speculation and concern about who sent them and why.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have emphasized that the drones do not appear to pose a threat to public safety, but many state and municipal lawmakers have nevertheless called for stricter rules on who can fly the unmanned aircraft.
The FBI is one of several agencies investigating and has asked residents to share videos, photos and other information about the drones.
Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones in New Jersey starting in November.
The drones were initially spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 50 miles west of New York City.
But sightings were soon reported across the state, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and production facility, and above President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
The planes have also recently been spotted in coastal areas.
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said a Coast Guard commander told him that a dozen drones were closely tracking a Coast Guard rescue boat this weekend near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County.
Governor Murphy has said the planes do not pose a threat, but has not provided details to support this.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security, said the reported drones are as large as six feet in diameter and sometimes travel with their lights turned off. This far exceeds what drone hobbyists typically fly and she said they appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio.
Officials say some witnesses may see planes or helicopters instead of drones.
Authorities say they do not know who is behind the drones.
The FBI, Homeland Security and State Police are investigating the sightings. Authorities say they do not know if it is one drone that has been spotted many times or if several aircraft are being flown in a coordinated effort.
There is speculation online, with some expressing concern that the drone or drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents. Officials emphasize that ongoing state and federal investigations have found no evidence to support these fears.
Two Republican congressmen from the Jersey Shore area, Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones, citing safety concerns.
The Pentagon said Wednesday that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities originating from any foreign entity or adversary.”
Flying drones for recreational and commercial use is legal in New Jersey, but is subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions.
Operators must be FAA certified.
Sightings have also been reported in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.
Drones were also spotted in Great Britain last month The US Air Force said so Several small unmanned aircraft were detected near four bases in England used by US forces.