New Jersey has become the focus of strange reports as residents claim to be experiencing alarming symptoms after encountering drones flying overhead. Since mid-November 2023, residents from the tri-state area have expressed growing concerns, linking their unexplained ailments to the mysterious presence of drones.
Many individuals have reported unusual health complaints, with symptoms ranging from coughing and sinus pressure to watery eyes. One New Jersey resident shared her painful experience, stating it felt like she was 'coughing up my lung' after seeing drones over her neighborhood. Another individual, living near Staten Island, suggested her blocked sinuses might stem from the countless drones hovering nearby.
Despite these alarming claims, health experts have been cautious to dismiss any direct correlation between the drones and the respiratory issues residents are reporting. Dr. Thomas Moore, an infectious disease specialist, explained, 'It is entertaining to try to blame sickness on the condensation trails of planes or drones, but the actual explanation is much more mundane.' He emphasized the onset of flu season as the primary factor contributing to these illnesses, noting, 'We are at the beginning of respiratory virus season, and many will develop coughing and sneezing simply by coincidence.'
Health specialists urge skepticism toward such connections. Dr. Bill Schaffner echoed Moore's sentiments, asserting, 'This is not being beamed down from above but spread among ourselves, and it is not too late to get vaccinated.' The involvement of respiratory viruses during this time of year is common, especially as colder weather leads people to gather indoors, increasing virus transmission possibilities.
The wave of drone sightings across New Jersey has particularly intensified this winter, with unexplained activity noted near military installations and popular locations, including Trump’s Bedminster golf course. Governor Phil Murphy and US lawmakers took these issues seriously, launching drone hunts and urging investigations to identify the unmanned aircraft's origins.
Governor Murphy has stressed multiple times, alongside officials from the FBI and Homeland Security, the drones posed no threat to public safety. Yet the fear among residents continues to grow, leading some state lawmakers to call for stricter regulations concerning drone operations.
Federal authorities observed more than five thousand drone sightings recently reported, though they deemed only about one hundred credible enough to warrant additional investigations. White House spokesman John Kirby reassured the public by stating, 'There are more than 1 million drones… and thousands of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones… available at any time.' He confirmed officials had found no evidence of any direct threat relating to these drone sightings.
Lurking beneath the surface, though, speculation has risen. Many online forums are populated with conspiracy theories, with some residents suspecting foreign involvement or espionage operations. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, countering these theories, stated it’s unlikely the drones are used for intelligence gathering due to their visibility and noise. He confirmed there were no military operations or experimental drone activities contributing to the mysteries over New Jersey.
Meanwhile, amid the swirling anxiety, personal stories circulate on social media, with individuals sharing their experiences. A TikTok user summarized her suffering, saying, 'I had the water works dripping from my nose... every night I am feeling worse and worse, and it turns out the drones were shooting; that's what caused my sinus infection.' These dramatic testimonials, though harrowing, have yet to be supported by medical evidence linking illnesses to drone activity.
The growing tension has even caught the attention of broader political figures, such as former President Donald Trump, who has urged for immediate transparency on drone origins, going so far as to suggest, 'Shoot them down!!!' This sentiment has fueled discussions on the proper responses citizens should take when confronted with unknown drones, even leading to stricter ordinances aimed at the usage of force against them.
While simpler solutions might tempt some individuals, law enforcement officials have warned against dangerous behaviors, like aiming lasers or even shooting at the drones, practices which could violate state and federal regulations. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden remarked, 'We must not try to shoot down drones, as this would violate numerous laws.'
With the intensified drone activities coinciding with flu season, New Jersey health officials continue to process the significant uptick of flu cases, alongside the rise of respiratory illnesses like RSV and norovirus. Hospitalizations for flu-like illness are rising as New Jersey enters one of its more challenging winter periods, with more than three percent of patient admissions reflecting such illness. Health experts stress the importance of awareness and vaccinations during these tumultuous months.
State officials remain vigilant, monitoring the situation as they also grapple with the potential public health implications of increased drone sightings. Despite the public fear surrounding the drones, authorities prioritize clarity and safety, disseminATING information to combat misinformation and to keep residents informed about what is truly causing their health issues.