PRINCETON, New Jersey — Thousands of unidentified lighted drones spotted flying across New Jersey and other U.S. states since November have caused widespread concern, spurring conspiracy theories and prompting demands from lawmakers for the Biden administration to explain the mysterious sightings.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SEEING, AND WHERE?
Hundreds of people have posted videos and photos online of bright objects in the night sky. While the majority of incidents have been reported in New Jersey, similar sightings have come from Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York. An official reported more than 5,000 sightings, with fewer than 100 prompting further investigation.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan shared a video of drones over his home in Davidsonville, Maryland. However, some commenters suggested that at least some of the lights in the video appeared to be stars, such as those in the constellation Orion. The sightings have sparked a frenzy on social media, with a Facebook group, “New Jersey Mystery Drones – let’s solve it,” attracting nearly 75,000 members.
WHAT HAS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SAID?
Officials from the White House, FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security have insisted that the objects pose no threat to public safety. During a media briefing, an FBI representative mentioned that investigations are ongoing, with no evidence of “large-scale” drone activity. The official added that many sightings occurred along regular flight paths. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged drone sightings, suggesting that a 2023 FAA rule change permitting nighttime drone flights could be contributing to the increased activity.
HOW HAVE OTHER OFFICIALS RESPONDED?
Some state officials, such as New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have called for stricter regulations and more authority for states to deal with drone activity. Hochul noted the dangers, particularly after an airport shutdown in New York caused by drones. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey wrote to President Biden, requesting additional resources to investigate the phenomena.
President-elect Donald Trump called on the U.S. military to disclose what they know about the sightings, criticizing the government for not being more transparent about the situation.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
It remains unclear who or what is responsible for the sightings. Officials suggest most incidents involve manned aircraft, but investigations continue at local, state, and federal levels. Some lawmakers have proposed that foreign governments could be behind the activity.
U.S. Representative Chris Smith cited an incident where a Coast Guard vessel off New Jersey’s coast was followed by multiple drones and questioned whether a foreign power was involved. Another New Jersey congressman, Jeff Van Drew, speculated that an “Iranian mothership” could be behind drones seen near a nuclear plant, though the Defense Department denied these claims.
In another incident, Boston police arrested two men after a drone was detected near Logan International Airport, with authorities confronting suspects at a nearby island. Two of the individuals were arrested and charged with trespassing, with further charges possible.