The buzzing coming out of New Jersey? It’s unclear if it’s drones or something else, but the nighttime sightings have certainly produced tons of talk, conspiracy theories, and craned necks staring skyward. The mysterious drone saga, which cropped up on local news and social media around Thanksgiving, has reached incredible heights.
This week, the situation garnered more attention as lawmakers demanded explanations from federal and state authorities concerning the origins of these sightings. Governor Phil Murphy went straight to the top, writing to President Joe Biden asking for answers about the drones. Meanwhile, New Jersey's newly-elected senator, Andy Kim, took to the skies himself on Thursday, engaging in a drone hunt in rural northern New Jersey and sharing his experience on social media.
The rapid development of drone sightings has led to dizzying proliferation of theories—many outrageous and unconfirmed. Some speculate these flying machines emerged from an Iranian mothership; others worry about foreign adversaries like China. Amid rising concerns, conspiracy theories abound, with some believing the Secret Service is securing President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster property. One thing is certain: the mystery surrounding these sightings has captured the attention of many.
Social media has become the battleground for information as residents have formed the Facebook group, “New Jersey Mystery Drones — Let’s Solve It,” which has surged to nearly 44,000 members. Local residents are posting photos and videos of their own bizarre sightings, leading to heated debates online. A recent video captures what appears to be whitish lights dancing across the night sky, prompting one commenter to proclaim it as “straight-up orbs.”
Some more fervent hunters have even proposed shooting down the drones, likening the act to hunting turkeys. Yet, experts warn against firing any weaponry at objects flying above. Trisha Bushey, 48, of Lebanon Township, lives adjacent to the Round Valley Reservoir, where sightings have been rampant. After posting photos online last month, she became convinced these objects are drones after discovering on flight tracking sites there were no conventional airplanes flying nearby. Unlike her holiday shopping, she finds herself checking the Mystery Drones page compulsively. "I find myself— instead of Christmas shopping or cleaning my house — checking it," she said.
Despite public uproar, Governor Murphy reassures residents, claiming the drones do not pose any risk to public safety. He wrote to Biden, asserting the need for answers. Yet, the federal Homeland Security Department and FBI have issued mixed messages, saying they possess no evidence indicating these encounters represent either "a national security or public safety threat or have any foreign connections."
"How can you say it’s not posing a threat if you don’t know what it is? I think that's why so many people are uneasy," Bushey continued, expressing concern over the uncertainty surrounding the drones.
William Austin, the president of Warren County Community College—a hotspot for drone sightings—offered another perspective. He suggests people might be misidentifying aircraft, as airplanes sometimes exhibit optical effects making them appear smaller or farther away. With this explanation, he encourages individuals to download drone tracking apps for clarity. Austin opined, "It reflects the United States of America in 2024. We’ve lost trust in our institutions, and we need it." A sentiment shared by the anxious public.
Federal officials agree with Austin but frame the issue differently. They believe many reports of unidentified drones are actually piloted aircraft such as planes or helicopters being mistaken for unmanned aerial vehicles. Still, public skepticism remains high. The recent reports have spread outside New Jersey, with sightings extending to eastern Pennsylvania and even parts of upstate New York.
Seph Divine, 34, another active member of the drone hunting group residing in Eugene, Oregon, echoed similar frustrations. Striving to be both a reasoned voice and active participant, he urges citizens to verify information, even as he comprehends the allure of speculation. "Whether or not it’s foreign military or some secret access program or something otherworldly, whatever it is, all I’m saying is it’s alarming this is happening so consistently for hours at a time," he remarked. This growing unease among citizens reflects the broader climate of anxiety surrounding the phenomenon.
Further complicate matters, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy decided to confront this mystery personally, deploying his office’s industrial-grade drone on Thursday night, hoping to track down one of the rogue UAVs swarming overhead. Yet, much to his frustration, the UFO-like drones managed to evade detection. Initially, one local officer reported spotting about 50 drones coming off the ocean. The situation escalated when Coast Guard officials identified at least 13 additional drones trailing one of their vessels, prompting concerns of aerial intrusion.
Designed to be undetectable, the drones reportedly emitted no heat signatures, eluding thermal imaging. Such characteristics only added to the mystery and the public's belief about the significance of these sightings. During this rising hysteria, President-elect Donald Trump inserted himself humorously, sharing memes of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie—who has been noticeably quiet during this ordeal—with fast food deliveries reportedly managed by drones.
While some fear these mysterious drones signal something more sinister, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI continue to analyze the situation. They assert most sightings are likely manned aircraft operating legally, easing some of the public’s concerns. Yet, significant unrest remains, prompting lawmakers like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to push for enhanced transparency and protective counter-drone measures. Only time will tell if these perplexing drone sightings will fade away or persist as another chapter of mystery for the Garden State.
