New Jersey residents alarmed by nearly 1,000 drone sightings in weeks

In the United States, particularly in New Jersey, there has been a significant increase in reported drone sightings, with approximately 1,000 incidents logged in under a month. Reports began surfacing around November 19, with various sightings continuing into December. Many sightings reported involved drones resembling mini-SUVs, often seen hovering at low altitudes and emitting flashing lights. The majority of these sightings have been concentrated in Hunterdon County and neighboring regions. Although some authorities suggest that these drones might simply be misidentified manned aircraft, the frequency and nature of the observations have raised concerns among the public and local officials. Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have acknowledged the ongoing situation, urging federal agencies to take a more proactive stance. In response to community alarm, Hochul announced the deployment of a state-of-the-art detection system designed to investigate the origins of these drone sightings, yet details about these technologies remain scarce. Experts have speculated that the drones could be used for intelligence gathering or testing by foreign entities, highlighting fears over national security. Prominent figures, including Joe Rogan, have expressed apprehension regarding these sightings, following theories posited by drone experts. John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon Unmanned, elaborated on possible motivations behind the drone flights, suggesting they could be searching for radioactive materials or gas leaks, especially given the historical context of missing nuclear materials since the 1980s. This echoes a broader trend where rapid increases in drone activity have raised questions about their purpose and implications in both military and civilian contexts. Local law enforcement has been inundated with reports, with a staggering number of sightings logged in a single evening set at 193. Despite these sightings being seemingly harmless in nature, calls for transparency from federal agencies have intensified as elected officials demand more clarity about the situation. This issue underscores a growing apprehension over drone technology, surveillance, and the potential threats they might pose to civilian safety and national security interests in both New Jersey and New York.