Frustration is growing in New Jersey as mysterious drones continue to be spotted flying over the state at night.
On Wednesday, several mayors expressed their disappointment after a briefing at the New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Ewing.
Many, including Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley, left early after being told there was no new information on the mysterious drones.
The first reports of drone sightings came from Evesham Township Police last week and quickly spread across South Jersey.
The large drones, often seen hovering at night, were initially reported over North and Central Jersey.
And recently, the sightings have extended into the Philadelphia suburbs.
The FBI is leading the investigation, confirming that it is aware of the reports and is working with local, state, and federal partners.
Delran Mayor Gary Catrambone emphasized that while officials monitor the drones’ flight duration, they lack a reliable method for tracking them.
He expressed concern over the lack of information, which leaves local residents with unanswered questions about the drones hovering near their homes and critical infrastructure.
Governor Phil Murphy has been briefed on the issue, and the White House confirmed that President Biden is aware of the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also supports other agencies in assessing the situation.
While officials insist there is no immediate threat to public safety, many local leaders call for greater transparency and action from federal authorities.
Bordentown Township Mayor Eugene Fuzy is among those seeking federal assistance, stating that it may be beyond the state’s capacity to resolve the situation.
As drone sightings increase, residents are advised to report them to a dedicated hotline, 1-866-4-SAFENJ, instead of calling 911, which has been overwhelmed.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew has suggested that the drones may be linked to an Iranian “mothership,” a claim that was swiftly dismissed by Pentagon officials, who stated there is no truth to the idea.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers, including Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, are pushing for stronger regulations on drone flights, particularly as drones that are larger than those typically used by hobbyists have been reported.
The situation remains mysterious since drones are spotted as large as SUVs, sometimes flying with their lights off.
Aside from these unusual features, officials continue to stress that there is no evidence of a direct threat.
However, residents are increasingly concerned as sightings continue across a broad swath of New Jersey, from the Raritan River to areas near critical military sites like the Picatinny Arsenal.
As investigations into the origins and purpose of these drones continue, New Jersey residents remain on edge, uncertain about the presence of these strange flying objects in their skies.
Local authorities urge the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious drone activity while federal agencies work to piece together the puzzle.
