NEWARK, N.J. — For more than a month, New Jersey has been the center of an aerial mystery, with numerous sightings of unidentified drones capturing the attention of residents, officials, and federal agencies alike. The unexplained appearances have sparked widespread speculation and a mix of government responses, yet their origins remain unknown.
The first reports of drone activity surfaced on November 18, 2024, in Morris County, where residents described clusters of drones larger than typical hobbyist models flying at night. Witnesses reported seeing red, green, and white lights in coordinated formations, and soon, similar sightings were noted across other parts of the state. Concerns heightened as drones were spotted near sensitive locations, including the Picatinny Arsenal, a military facility, and even above President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
As reports grew, federal agencies stepped in. On December 12, 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed temporary restrictions on drone flights over 22 cities in New Jersey, including areas near Bedminster and Picatinny. The FAA cited “security reasons” for the restrictions but provided little detail on the specific threat posed. Despite this measure, public concern continued to mount, with the mysterious drones becoming a frequent topic of discussion among residents and officials alike.
The following day, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint statement suggesting that many sightings could be attributed to misidentified aircraft or lawful drone operations. They added that there was no evidence of drones entering restricted airspace, though the lack of concrete explanations did little to ease concerns. On December 14, 2024, reports of similar sightings emerged in New York City, prompting collaboration between New Jersey and New York officials. Public discourse escalated further when President-elect Trump suggested that federal agencies might be withholding information about the drones.
Efforts to identify the drones have largely been unsuccessful. On December 19, 2024, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office used industrial-grade equipment to track the drones but failed to detect heat signatures or other identifying characteristics. Meanwhile, Pequannock Township Mayor Ryan Herd accused federal officials of not being transparent, alleging that the drones were accompanied by sightings of unexplained “orbs.” His claims fueled conspiracy theories already circulating on social media and among residents.
State and federal officials have scrambled to respond to the growing mystery. Governor Phil Murphy expressed frustration at the lack of federal clarity, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for stricter federal oversight of drone activities. The FAA extended its warnings, advising against the use of force, including shooting down drones or using lasers, citing safety risks. The Department of Defense acknowledged drone sightings near military facilities but downplayed their significance, calling such occurrences routine without elaborating further.
As of December 26, 2024, the frequency of sightings has diminished, prompting speculation about whether the mysterious drones might reappear after the holidays. Online posts suggest that the lull may be temporary, though theories about the drones’ origins continue to vary widely. Federal agencies maintain that the activity does not pose a national security threat, but investigations into the incidents remain active.
With temporary flight restrictions in place until January 17, 2025, unless extended, questions remain about what—or who—is behind the drones. For now, New Jersey residents are left to speculate, watching the skies for answers that so far have not materialized.