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Reports of alleged drone sightings in New Jersey over the past few weeks have sparked conspiracy theories and rumors, as concerns mount amidst an FBI investigation into the matter.
Knewz.com has learned that New Jersey locals have reported seeing “a cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft” in recent weeks, according to the Newark office of the FBI, the New Jersey office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the state police.
While the FBI continues its investigation into the "drone mystery," deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said during a briefing on Wednesday, December 11, "At this time we have no evidence that these activities are coming from a foreign entity or the work of a foreign adversary."
Singh also clarified that the flying objects reported by the locals are not drones belonging to the United States military.
It is worth noting that these alleged drones have been spotted above "critical infrastructure such as water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments and military installations," according to Joseph Orlando, the Chief of Police of the Florham Park Police Department.
In a statement on Facebook, Chief Orlando wrote:
"Residents, you may have observed or become aware of the various reported drone sightings, in the airspace above Morris County, in recent weeks. Morris County law enforcement, in conjunction with our State and Federal partners, have been attempting to determine the launch point and landing location of these drones, as well as the people or entities responsible for their presence in our airspace."
"Members of the local law enforcement community have been pressuring our partners for answers regarding this activity as their presence around our critical infrastructure is concerning. While we currently have no evidence or information to indicate these drones pose an imminent threat at this time, their presence appears nefarious in nature," the social media statement further read.
"The sightings have been occurring nightly for the past two weeks beginning just after sunset and lasting well into the early morning hours. Please be mindful that not all low flying aircraft are drones as we have the Morristown Municipal Airport, on our western border, and Newark International Airport in close proximity," the police chief added.
Law enforcement officials have called on the public's help regarding the investigation into the alleged "drone sightings," asking them to report any information they have.
Notably, the reported drone sightings have sparked significant concern among the public, much like the Chinese spy balloon incident from 2023.
As of now, the most significant cause for concern seems to be the fact that the FBI and the other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation have yet been unable to provide much information regarding the matter.
During a Congressional hearing on drone threats to Homeland Security on December 10, August Pfluger, the Republican Representative from Texas who chaired the hearing, asked whether these "drones" pose a threat to public safety, to which Robert Wheeler Jr., the assistant director of the FBI's critical incident response group, replied:
"There is nothing that is known that would lead me to say that, but we just don't know, and that's the concerning part."
"You're telling me we don't know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey?" Rep. Pfluger pressed Wheeler, who replied, "That's right."
Amidst concerns regarding the alleged drone sightings reaching fever pitch, New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew suggested the involvement of Iran in this matter and "urged the federal government to bolster its security and aviation technology to avoid potential harm from the drones," according to reports.
However, the Pentagon has denied Rep. Van Drew's theory, and a joint statement issued by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security on December 12 states that there is "no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus."
In fact, the federal agencies investigating the drone sightings believe that the flying objects "are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully."
"We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports," the joint statement added, while clarifying:
"To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage. While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities."