The FBI and local authorities in New Jersey are seeking the public’s help with any information about a series of unexplained drone sightings in the area over the last several weeks.
On Tuesday, the FBI, New Jersey State Police, and the State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness issued a joint statement about the flying objects spotted along the 70-mile Raritan River in Morris County.
“Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft,” according to the statement. “We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks.”
The sightings have caused additional concern due to their proximity to President-elect Donald Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster, located south of Morris County.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over Trump’s golf club, as well as the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, over the questionable sightings. TFRs restrict aircraft, including drones, from operating without permission in a certain area for a limited time.
Video of the drone sightings has emerged on social media, prompting some people to cast doubt on the authenticity of the images. Others, however, have expressed concerns about whether the objects are being used to surveil residents or pose some sort of threat to the public.
Eyewitnesses have told local media that the drones have been flying almost every night in the area over the past several weeks.
“We’ve been seeing them every night, except Thanksgiving. I guess they took the night off,” Mike Walsh told NBC New York on Monday.
Walsh also said that the objects sound similar to helicopters and that they fly for long periods of time. He also noted that he can’t pinpoint where they are launching from and where they are landing.
“The skies in New Jersey are aflutter!” one user wrote on X. The **FBI is on the case** after mysterious drones and [unidentified flying objects] were observed over Northern New Jersey! What are they? Is it aliens, spy technology, or something else?”
According to the FAA, drone pilots who violate flight restrictions or endanger aircraft or people can have their licenses revoked or face up to $75,000 in fines.
The agency’s website shows that the TFR over Trump’s golf course ends on Dec. 6, while the TFR over Picatinny Arsenal ends on Dec. 26.
Anyone with information about the drones is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit the information online at tips.fbi.gov.