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Mysterious Drone Sightings Spark Investigation in New York and New Jersey
A series of unexplained drone sightings have emerged in New York City and Philadelphia, prompting authorities to investigate several similar reports in New Jersey that date back to mid-November.
Residents across various New Jersey counties have noted clusters of drones in the sky, and the phenomenon has advanced to other areas, particularly in Pennsylvania and Staten Island, New York. The sightings have intensified in recent days.
Individuals in these affected regions have taken to social media to share videos purportedly showing these drones, adding to the growing public interest and concern around the matter.
In response to the escalated situation, the FBI’s Newark office has initiated an investigation, calling on citizens to provide any pertinent information they might have regarding these sightings.
According to the FBI, “Witnesses have reported clusters of objects resembling drones, as well as a potential fixed-wing aircraft.” The agency emphasized that information has been coming in from both the public and law enforcement officials for some time.
As the investigation unfolds, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has placed temporary flight restrictions over certain locations, including the Picatinny Arsenal military base and Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, to ensure safety in those critical areas.
The origins of these drones remain a mystery, yet state officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate danger posed by their presence. Local leaders are closely observing the situation and remain in communication with law enforcement.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy indicated he has been in discussions with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement to address these sightings. He confirmed, “We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter. There is no known threat to the public at this time.”
Recently, an FBI spokesperson acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “Unfortunately, we don’t have many answers, and we don’t want to guess or hypothesize about what’s going on. We are doing all we can to figure it out.”
A collective of 20 mayors from Morris County recently reached out to Governor Murphy, requesting a thorough investigation into the drones’ origins and motives. They emphasized the need for better communication with the public and law enforcement regarding the sightings.
Staten Island Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has also taken action by requesting the FAA to enforce temporary restrictions on drone flights in her area, as she seeks briefings from homeland security and the FBI regarding the unidentified aerial vehicles.
Compounding the concern, reports surfaced two weeks ago indicating that drones in New Jersey obstructed a medical helicopter from responding to an emergency incident involving a car accident, highlighting potential safety risks associated with the drone activity.
Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando remarked that there have been credible sightings of drones above significant infrastructures, including water reservoirs and police stations, raising alarms among law enforcement about their unusual behavior.
“While we currently have no evidence to indicate these drones pose an imminent threat, their presence around critical infrastructure is concerning,” he stated, urging residents to stay alert and report any sightings directly to the FBI.
Source
www.theguardian.com