For several weeks, New Jersey residents have taken to social media to express concerns about multiple low-flying, car-sized drones floating above their surrounding areas. The mysterious sight has drawn a great deal of attention to the matter, with New Jerseyans looking for answers. On our end, we see local FB groups abuzz with concerns and potential sightings. On January 28th, 2025, the White House issued a statement on the situation.  Here's everything we know about the drone sightings in New Jersey.

January 2025 White House Statement

At a press conference on January 28th, 2025, the new White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement on the drones in New Jersey. Per Politico, the drones were a combination of hobbyist and commercial operators operating with the authorization of the FAA. “After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons,” she said during the briefing, reading a statement attributed to President Donald Trump. “This was not the enemy.”

No further information has been shared on what types of research was being conducted, or by whom. The FAA has not yet released a statement on this latest update, nor has New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The Hoboken Girl will update this piece as necessary.

Where Have the Drones Been Spotted?

Dozens of unexplained drone sightings have been reported in several counties across New Jersey confirmed by both local and state authorities, including Sussex County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Warren County, Morris County, Essex County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Burlington County, and Camden County. Stand-out sightings were of drones found hovering over Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, New Jersey, and Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia in Pine Hill, New Jersey. Additional sightings have also been reported in Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York. Staten Island Congresswoman, Nicole Malliotakis has also been requesting answers as the drone sightings increase. As a result, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) 4/1797 restricting the operation of any Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in regions of New Jersey from December 6th, 2024 until December 20th, 2024. To take a closer look at NOTAM zones and other air-related restrictions visit faa.gov here.

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Several government officials have taken to social media to express their concerns including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy who reported he had a briefing with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, along with other senior officials from The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the New Jersey State Police, and other members of the congressional delegation to discuss the matters at hand. Gov. Murphy concluded with "There is no known threat to the public at this time."

Yesterday I convened a briefing with @SecMayorkas, senior officials from @DHSgov, @NJOHSP, and @NJSP, and members of our congressional delegation to discuss reported drone activity over parts of North and Central New Jersey.

We are actively monitoring the situation and in close…

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 5, 2024

Senator Cory Booker also took to X releasing an official letter addressed to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray prompting the FBI to open an investigation. 

Tom Kean, Jr., Representative of the 7th Congressional District of New Jersey also expressed similar frustration via X and via press release saying "The people of New Jersey deserve answers, and I will continue to demand accountability to ensure their rights and security are fully protected."

I join thousands of New Jersey residents in deep frustration regarding the growing concerns over drones operating in our skies. The safety and privacy of our residents must be a top priority, and right now, both are being put at risk.

I am calling for the Department of Homeland…

— Congressman Tom Kean (@CongressmanKean) December 9, 2024

Locally, the Wyckoff Police Department of Bergen County sent out a post to social media followers via Facebook saying "We have been made aware of large flying drones being observed this evening throughout the Township. County and local law enforcement agencies are aware of the recurring reports of drone activity in several counties and acknowledge the public’s concern about these repeated sightings. The FBI Newark and the NJ State Police are asking for the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones. Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov. If anyone finds a drone, immediately contact the Wyckoff Police Department. At this time, there is no known threat to public safety."

How Has the FBI Responded?

After a Congressional hearing in Washington D.C. yesterday, December 10, 2024, New Jerseyans are still left without answers. A video of FBI official Robert Wheeler circulating on social media only adds to the mystery of these events. During the hearing, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas chimed in to ask "You're telling me we don't know what the hell these drones in New Jersey are?" while Mr. Wheeler replied with a simple "That's correct," echoing that the active investigation will continue.

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What If I See a Drone?

The Federal Aviation Administration website states "If you witness a drone operation that appears dangerous or is being used to commit a crime please report it immediately to your local law enforcement first responders. They can protect public safety and can help discourage dangerous or illegal activities."

Drone sightings can also be reported to the FAA via email contact form or by calling the FAA's UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Support Center at 844-359-6982. Capturing photos or videos of the drone sighting can also help gather additional information.

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