The FBI has launched an investigation but remains unable to explain the mysterious drone activity that has been occurring over New Jersey since mid-November, leaving local officials and residents increasingly frustrated.
"We do not attribute that to an individual or a group, yet," said Robert W. Wheeler Jr., FBI Assistant Director of the Critical Incident Response Group, during a Homeland Security hearing in Washington D.C. "We're investigating but I don't have an answer of who's responsible for that."
The commercial-grade drones, reportedly up to 6 feet in diameter, have been spotted across multiple counties, including near military installations like Naval Weapons Station Earle and Picatinny Arsenal. Local officials report the devices can quickly switch between emitting lights and going dark, often evading detection.
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry expressed dissatisfaction after a briefing with Department of Homeland Security representatives. "I'm not sure how I can go back to my residents and say that I'm satisfied from this meeting, when now I know that I have 180 drones that have been flying over the state of New Jersey," Perry said.
While the White House maintains there is no evidence of national security threats or foreign involvement, local leaders are pushing for more decisive action. New Jersey State Senator Jon Bramnick has called for a limited state of emergency to ban drone flights until authorities provide more information.
The Pentagon has denied claims that the drones are launching from an Iranian "mothership" off the East Coast. Meanwhile, the U.S. Northern Command confirmed awareness of the sightings but stated it "has not been requested to assist with these events."
As investigations continue, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy plans to send letters to congressional leadership and President Biden seeking answers. Local residents continue documenting sightings through social media, while law enforcement struggles to track devices that frequently avoid detection by going dark and lacking trackers.