PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — Dozens of drones have been spotted across New Jersey in recent weeks, including near sensitive sites such as a military research facility, which can be frustrating but don’t appear to pose a public safety concern, Gov. Phil Murphy stressed Monday.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
The FBI has been investigating reports about several mysterious nighttime drone flights that started occurring last month across central Jersey and has asked the public for help. Since then, residents have reported seeing drones in other areas.
While speaking at an unrelated bill signing event in Princeton, Murphy noted there were 49 reports of drones on Sunday, mostly in Hunterdon County. The Democratic governor said those numbers included possible sightings and potentially the same drone being reported more than once.
“This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated,” Murphy said.
It’s unclear who is piloting the drones and why, but federal and state officials have repeatedly stressed that there is no known threat to public safety.
Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Drone operators also must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists.
The flights initially raised questions in part because they took place near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
Most of the drones have been spotted along coastal areas, and some of the devices were recently spotted over a large reservoir in Clinton.
The FBI asks that residents share any videos or photos they may have of the flights, along with any other relevant information.
Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but there are several regulations to follow
Umm… if they dont know who it is …how can they know it is not dangerous??
Yeah just like the helium balloons flying over our country with spy equipment.
If they are not dangerous why are they over military bases weapons research plants and our air ports.
Why aren’t they shot down
Yeah, sure. I wouldn’t trust a Democrat politician telling me how safe and secure I am as far as I could throw a piano.
Does anyone actually still believe or trust ol’ Murphy boy. He’s done zero good for NJ and we should trust him??
Is there any reason sharpshooters don’t shoot them down?
It’s just the whole tooth flying over Chabad houses looking for dirt