The mysterious drone sightings across the northeastern United States have sparked growing concern, prompting calls for federal action and increased transparency.
Unidentified Drone Sightings Spark Concern
Over the past week, drone-detecting devices deployed in New Jersey have found “little to no evidence” of threatening activity, according to Governor Phil Murphy. Speaking at a press conference on December 16, 2024, Murphy noted that there were 12 suspected drone sightings on December 14 and one on December 15. While the detection equipment can disable drones, Murphy explained, it is not legal to do so on U.S. soil without federal authorization.
State Officials Call for Congressional Action
Governor Murphy, echoing sentiments from other state officials, urged Congress to allow states more authority to address drone-related issues. “It is extraordinary to me that a nation as powerful as ours has such deficiencies in dealing with drone incursions,” Murphy said. The call for action comes amidst concerns about threats to sensitive areas like military bases and airports.
No Evidence of Malicious Intent
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that there is no indication of bad intent or foreign involvement in these sightings. In an interview on December 15 with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Mayorkas reassured the public that federal agencies are working closely with state and local authorities to address the issue.
Conspiracy Theories and Public Distrust
Despite these reassurances, conspiracy theories about foreign actors and governmental cover-ups have proliferated online. Even President-elect Donald Trump weighed in, suggesting that “the government knows what is happening” but is withholding information. However, New Jersey Senator Andy Kim dismissed such claims, attributing the growing public concern to a general lack of trust in institutions.
Legislative Efforts to Address Drones
U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer announced plans to introduce legislation demanding greater transparency and a drone air traffic control system. This initiative aims to empower law enforcement with the tools needed to monitor and address unauthorized drone activity. “The people of New Jersey and across the country deserve answers,” Gottheimer said in a statement.
Drone Sightings Across Multiple States
States like New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have also reported an uptick in drone activity. Pennsylvania Representative Brian Fitzpatrick wrote to Homeland Security, requesting advanced radar systems to track and identify drones. Similarly, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont highlighted concerns over unexplained large drones, pledging to enhance security measures around airports.
Federal and Military Perspectives
At a Pentagon briefing, Air Force Major General Pat Ryder stated there is no evidence linking the drones to foreign entities. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that about 8,000 drones are active daily across the U.S., and most are operated via radio frequency or GPS systems. Ryder noted that domestic surveillance laws limit the military’s ability to track drones within U.S. airspace.
Public Experiences and Observations
Christopher Stadulis, a retired firefighter and drone enthusiast from New Jersey, described seeing unusual clusters of drones with distinctive lights. “These are not normal aircraft,” he said, adding that the frequency of sightings in his area has been unusual.
Incidents Prompt Temporary Airspace Shutdowns
The drone activity has led to disruptions, including a four-hour airspace shutdown at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio on December 13. Additionally, two individuals in Boston were arrested for flying a drone dangerously close to Logan International Airport.
Building Public Confidence
Officials like Senator Kim stressed the need for clear communication to dispel public fears. “What the public needs is a detailed walkthrough of the situation,” Kim said, emphasizing the importance of transparency in rebuilding trust.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, states are urging federal agencies to provide advanced tools and clear guidelines for handling drone incursions. The collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal authorities aim to ensure public safety and address the growing concerns surrounding these mysterious sightings.