Mysterious drones have caused panic in New Jersey. Here’s what we know – Firstpost

New Jersey is full of mysterious drone sights and sounds.

Many wonder where they come from… who sent them and what they are doing here.

Authorities say drones do not appear to pose a public threat.

However, investigative agencies are asking citizens to keep an eye on the unmanned craft.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are calling for stricter rules on who can operate these drones.

Let’s take a look at what we know

What do we know?

Witnesses began seeing the drones flying around New Jersey in November.

They were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 50 miles west of New York.

But soon, sightings were reported across the state, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and at President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.

The planes have also recently been spotted in coastal areas.

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said a Coast Guard commander told him about a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend.

Are the authorities concerned?

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the planes did not pose a threat, but provided no supporting details.

Congresswoman Dawn Fantasia, who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security, said the reported drones were up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveled with their lights off. It’s much larger than those typically flown by drone enthusiasts and she said they appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio.

Officials and experts say some witnesses might actually see planes or helicopters rather than drones, or be confused about the size of the devices they see.

“There are certainly large drones, such as agricultural drones, but they’re not typically the ones you see flying in urban or suburban spaces,” John Duesler, president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, said Thursday. The organization, which has approximately 350 members, is headquartered in Pittston, Pennsylvania.

“I kind of wonder if this is some kind of fish story, as in ‘I caught a fish that big!’ kind of thing,” Deusler added. “At night it is difficult to see the size of drones, especially because they may be closer or further away from you. It’s really hard to get an idea of ​​their size.

Where did they come from?

A senior FBI official told the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday that recent drone sightings over New Jersey were “concerning” and said the agency was “actively investigating” the situation and was trying to determine who was responsible.

Authorities say they do not know who is behind the drones.

The FBI, Homeland Security and State Police are investigating the sightings. Authorities say they are unsure whether it is a single drone that has been spotted multiple times or whether multiple planes are flying as part of a coordinated effort.

Speculation has raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drone(s) could be part of a nefarious plot led by foreign agents. Officials emphasize that ongoing state and federal investigations have found no evidence to support these fears.

Two Republican congressmen from the Jersey Shore area, Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones, citing security concerns.

The Pentagon insists that drones do not pose a foreign threat.

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday that the military’s initial assessment after consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Council — that drones are not foreign origin – remained unchanged.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Wednesday that the planes were not U.S. military drones.

What do state laws say about drones?

Drone flying for recreational and commercial purposes is legal in New Jersey, but is subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration flight regulations and restrictions.

Operators must be FAA certified.

Have they been seen elsewhere?

Sightings have also been reported in the neighboring states of New York and Pennsylvania.

Drones were also spotted last month in the UK. The US Air Force said several small unmanned aircraft had been detected near four military bases in England used by US forces.