The mysterious drone sightings that have puzzled residents across New Jersey and New York are now under heightened federal scrutiny, with the FBI urging public cooperation as the investigation intensifies. The sightings, which began in November, have spread from New Jersey to Brooklyn's Bay Ridge neighborhood, alarming residents and prompting demands for transparency from local and federal authorities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily restricted drone flights near sensitive sites, including the Picatinny Arsenal military facility and President-elect Donald Trump's Bedminster golf course. The FBI's Newark Field Office, leading the investigation, released a brief statement acknowledging the public's concerns but offered little in the way of concrete answers. "We truly don't have much information to provide at the moment," a spokeswoman told PIX11 News.
Brooklyn resident Diane Atkins captured videos of drones near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, describing them as loud and numerous. "There had to be 10, maybe 12 total of these things," Atkins said. "Definitely not planes, and there were too many of them." Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis amplified concerns by sharing the videos online, calling for explanations from the FAA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and NYPD. She noted heightened anxiety among residents following the Chinese spy balloon incident earlier this year, writing, "Are these drones and why are they flying over sensitive facilities and infrastructure?"
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the growing alarm, emphasizing that the state is treating the sightings with utmost seriousness. At a press conference on Monday, Murphy stated, "These are apparently very sophisticated. The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark." He confirmed that state and federal agencies, including DHS, are actively investigating, with no immediate threats identified.
Phil Doyle, a New Jersey resident, reported observing dozens of drones flying over his Oak Ridge home in a single night. "It's not two or three a night; it's 30 or 50," Doyle said, noting their size and distinctive lights. The drones appeared to be traveling from the direction of Picatinny Arsenal, but officials from the military facility have denied any involvement. "We can confirm that they are not the result of any Picatinny Arsenal-related activities," Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham II stated, adding that there have been 11 confirmed drone sightings in the area.
State Senator Jon Bramnick has called for a limited state of emergency, urging a temporary ban on all drone flights until authorities provide clear answers. He said the ban should last "until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings."
Unusual phenomena have also been linked to the drones, including reports from one family who claimed their car clock changed while a drone hovered nearby. Such incidents have only fueled speculation and conspiracy theories, with residents and officials alike demanding greater transparency.
The FBI has requested residents to report sightings and share any related videos or photos by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting tips online. Meanwhile, speculation continues about the nature and origin of the drones. Some observers fear they could represent a surveillance operation, while others suggest they may be part of a sophisticated commercial or private initiative.
