Since mid-November 2024, residents across New Jersey have reported numerous sightings of mysterious drones hovering over various counties, including Morris, Somerset, and Bergen. These drones, often described as larger than typical hobbyist models and equipped with blinking lights, have been observed flying alone and in formations. The FBI is investigating, but there are still no answers. Police have described them as “nefarious” and the New Jersey governor revealed he’s taking them “deadly seriously.”
Here’s what we know at the moment.
Even with the FBI Investigating & Discussions with Homeland Security, There Still Are No Answers
The initial sightings began around November 18, with clusters of drones and possibly a fixed-wing aircraft reported along the Raritan River. Since then, the phenomenon has expanded, with drones spotted near sensitive locations such as the Picatinny Arsenal—a U.S. military research facility—and the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed temporary flight restrictions over these areas to ensure safety, AP reported.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively investigating these incidents and has requested public assistance, urging residents to share any photos, videos, or pertinent information regarding the drone flights. Despite the widespread concern, officials have stated that there is no known threat to public safety at this time.
In fact, on December 9, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said that state and federal authorities don’t think the drones are a threat, but he has little-to-no details about what they are or why they’re here, Fox News reported.
“It’s really frustrating that we don’t have more answers as to where they’re coming from and why they’re doing what they’re doing. We had last night 49 sighting,” Murphy said on December 9.
Despite spending a lot of time talking to authorities, he still had no answers.
“I was on with the White House and Homeland Security leadership, literally at the very top yesterday, pretty much all day,” Murphy said. “I’m hoping that we’ll get answers sooner than later. I would just encourage folks to continue to let the FBI or their local law enforcement know when they see something.”
Florham Police Said the Drones’ Presence ‘Appears Nefarious’
Other agencies are also noting the lack of answers.
A statement from Florham Police, for example, acknowledged the Morris County sightings and shared they were working with state and federal partners to try to find the launch and landing points. They noted that some sightings were over critical infrastructure like water reservoirs and military installations.
“While we currently have no evidence or information to indicate these drones pose an imminent threat at this time, their presence appears nefarious in nature.”
The mystery deepened as similar drone sightings were reported over Staten Island, New York, prompting local politicians to call for federal intervention to identify the drones’ origins and purposes, the New York post reported on December 9.
Evesham Police, in a press conference, noted that these are not hobbyist drones.
In an interview with Fox 29, Evesham Township Police Chief Walt Miller said he’s been concerned about nefarious intent, noting: “especially with the advanced technology they seem to have. Most drones are within sight. These are obviously being controlled somewhere else. And, there’s obviously a purpose. They’re up flying.”
Gov. Murphy said: “The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark… This is something we’re taking deadly seriously.”
An in an interview with local news, a detective from Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said he saw a drone coming in their direction, spin 180 degrees, and loop around them. It wasn’t on radar and was moving about 70 mph.
The Florham Park Mayor said they were about the size of a small car.
As of December 9, 21 mayors in Morris County are asking for answers.
As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize the importance of public cooperation in providing clear images and detailed reports to aid in identifying the operators and intentions behind these mysterious drone activities.
A Facebook Group Is Dedicated to Sharing Sightings
Many residents have shared vivid accounts of their encounters with the mysterious aerial vehicles in a New Jersey Facebook group.
Members are posting about seeing multiple drones at once, or drones the size of a car.
One woman said in a news report that she hasn’t seen any regular commercial planes flying over her home since the drone sightings began. This experience, however, isn’t universal among drone spotters, though it’s interesting.
The Facebook group has become a hub for residents to share theories, videos, and photos, with many urging each other to report their observations to the FBI and FAA. While the mystery persists, the group’s collective efforts have created a growing repository of evidence that may eventually help solve the enigma of the New Jersey drones.
Stephanie Dwilson is a licensed attorney and has a master's in science in science and technology journalism. She's known for her thorough, accurate reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity in all her work. You can reach her at writerdube@gmail.com.
