There’s a nationwide panic.
The increasing number of mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey is fueling growing demands for a stronger federal response, with reports now also emerging in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Lawmakers, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York, have voiced frustration over the lack of transparency from the government regarding the identity and purpose of these drones. At a press conference, Malliotakis questioned why the U.S. government, with its military capabilities, has not been able to clarify the situation or provide information on who is operating the drones.
Despite these concerns, federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, have yet to verify the numerous reported sightings. The White House has stated that local and state law enforcement have been unable to confirm the presence of drones, and the U.S. Secret Service confirmed it has no unmanned aerial systems operating in the affected regions. While New York Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged drone sightings, she emphasized that there is no current evidence to suggest a national security or public safety threat.
The situation has become a focal point of bipartisan frustration, with officials from various states reporting hundreds of sightings, especially in New Jersey. Overnight, 79 sightings were recorded in the state, with reports of drones appearing up to 180 times per night. These sightings have been consistent for nearly a month. Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan expressed his concern over the lack of answers from federal agencies, criticizing their response as inadequate and demanding immediate action.
In response, state leaders are pushing for more proactive measures. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called on Congress to pass legislation that would grant state and local law enforcement more authority to handle drone-related threats. Other officials, including Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, have also reached out to federal agencies for urgent briefings on the situation. Meanwhile, local authorities, such as Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali, are taking matters into their own hands, declaring no-fly zones in response to the ongoing drone activity.
As investigations continue, officials have confirmed that some drone sightings over sensitive sites like military bases and the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey appear legitimate. The Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck has acknowledged the reports and is working with federal agencies to monitor the situation, although no direct threats have been identified.
