Mysterious drones have been spotted hovering over Staten Island and various parts of New Jersey, sparking concerns among local residents and prompting politicians to demand answers. Reports of the enigmatic aircraft have surfaced since November 18, when Staten Islanders first reported seeing them flying at night, often described as having bright lights.
One notable sighting was made by former Air Force Sergeant Walter Ziegler from New Springville, who spotted these drones with binoculars. He described the drones as having "a white light in the center and a red light on each side," estimating their size to be about 15 feet long. "I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw them," Ziegler told local news. The drones were observed near the Goethals Bridge, which lies on the border of Staten Island and New Jersey.
Authorities have reported increased sightings of these large, military-style drones across New Jersey. Reports indicate some of the drones have flown without active transponders, significantly contributing to public anxiety about their nature and source. Congressman Nicole Malliotakis has urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose temporary flight restrictions over Staten Island, emphasizing the need for immediate briefings from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
Following the unsettling drone activity, Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella expressed his bewilderment over the lack of clarity surrounding the drones’ origins and purpose. He stated, "It is odd and quite bizarre nobody can figure out who is flying these drones, where they are coming from, and their purpose." Such drone activity has already caused disruptions, including rerouting medivac helicopters flying from Somerset County.
The drone sightings have made headlines not only on Staten Island but also over sensitive military areas across New Jersey, including Trump National Golf Club and Picatinny Arsenal. Reports have enumerated numerous sightings, with Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia indicating the drones appeared to be acting strategically, flying with their lights turned off to evade detection.
Adding to the frenzy, Rep. Jeff Van Drew claimed on Fox News these drones might originate from what he referred to as an "Iranian mothership" stationed off the U.S. coast. Domestically, this assertion stirred backlash; the Pentagon swiftly denied any claims linking these drones to foreign entities, declaring there was no truth to the existence of any such mothership launching drones toward the United States.
Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary at the Pentagon, clarified, "There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there's no so-called mothership launching drones toward the United States." Her remarks came amid rising concerns after 49 sightings were reported on the weekend alone, sparking inquiries within various law enforcement and federal agencies.
Despite the drone sightings trending downward since December 8 and 9, when reports peaked, sheriffs and law enforcement officials maintain vigilance and prepare for any new developments. Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy remarked, "We’re just waiting for our federal partners to let us know what’s going on" as drone activity typically flares up without warning.
Many of these drones reportedly operated at night and have been difficult to detect electronically, prompting the investigation of drone operators by federal authorities. Of the roughly 5,000 tips related to drone sightings, many have been dismissed as misidentified planes or typical hobbyist drones. Yet, approximately 100 sightings have captured the FBI's attention as significant.
Size specifications vary, with reports indicating some drones are as large as SUVs or dining-room tables. These larger drones are often distinguished from typical consumer drones, which measure about 12-18 inches, and are posing unique challenges in terms of identification and monitoring.
To counter the drone phenomenon, Rep. Chris Smith has proposed legislation to enable trained state law enforcement officers to respond effectively to unauthorized drone activity. This bill, dubbed the Law Against Nefarious Drones, Enforcement, Deconfliction (LANDED) Act, aims to prepare local law enforcement for future aerial threats.
Meanwhile, Governor Phil Murphy led discussions with top officials from the Department of Homeland Security concerning the reported drone activity. Murphy has publicly stated he takes the sightings "deadly seriously," acknowledging the potential risks these unidentified drones pose to local airspace security.
While the public awaits more information, drone sightings have not only fueled local discussions around aviation rights and safety but are also raising myriad questions concerning the potential future of drone regulations. The local community's reaction remains mixed, balancing curiosity with concern as authorities continue their investigations.
These mysterious occurrences across Staten Island and New Jersey exemplify growing tensions surrounding airspace security and public safety amid advancing drone technologies, necessitating urgent governmental attention and comprehensive action plans.
