Residents in New Jersey have reported dozens of sightings of large drones consistently flying in night skies throughout much of the state over the last few weeks. Similar sightings are being claimed on social media in Pennsylvania and New York’s Staten Island.
The FBI is in charge of a multi-agency investigation and has asked the public to report sightings directly to that agency.
No sightings have been reported in Delaware as of Monday, Dec. 10, according to the Delaware State Police.
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Although New Jersey law enforcement officials have said there is no known threat to public safety, the sightings have the public spooked, and many residents, as well as some elected officials, are demanding answers.
Here’s what to know.
What do residents claim to see in the night sky?
FBI and New Jersey authorities investigating mystery drones seen flying over the state
For the past few weeks, residents in New Jersey have reported consistent sightings of large drones, estimated to be around six feet long, flying over various parts of the state, including over rivers, reservoirs and at least one military research facility, on a near nightly basis.
The sightings began just before Thanksgiving in Morris County, New Jersey, located in the northwest portion of the state. According to the Asbury Park Press, some eyewitnesses have described the objects as “car-sized” and say that they appear as the sun begins to set.
Since the original sightings, the drones reportedly spread to Sussex, Somerset and Warren counties as well as other areas in North Jersey. More recently, the drones have been anecdotally spotted from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia’s Mayfair area, as well as across South Jersey and the Jersey Shore.
What are officials saying? FBI investigating
This interactive map shows where drones have allegedly been spotted in North and Central Jersey.
As of now, it is unknown where the drones are coming from or what they are being used for.
Law enforcement and government officials in New Jersey have remained steadfast that there is no threat to public safety, but investigation efforts have ramped up as community pages on social media light up with new alleged sightings.
It was announced on Wednesday, Nov. 27 that the FBI had joined the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness in investigations.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said that he had a briefing about the sightings with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and are in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter,” Murphy said in a statement on X, adding that there is currently no indication of any threat to public safety.
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The FBI reported that it was investigating reports of a possible “fixed-wing aircraft” seen flying along New Jersey’s Raritan River, a near 70-mile river that flows past president-elect Trump’s Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.
More: North Jersey mayors demand action from NJ, feds on flurry of drone sightings
Amy Thoreson, a spokesperson for the FBI’s office in Newark, New Jersey, said on Monday, Dec. 6 that there was no new information about drone sightings over New Jersey.
The Federal Aviation Administration also issued temporary flight restrictions over the Trump-owned golf course, as well as the Picatinny Arsenal military research and manufacturing facility.
“We look into all reports of unauthorized drone operations and investigate when appropriate,” an FAA statement reads. “Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines up to $75,000. In addition, we can suspend or revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates.”
Following a bill signing in Princeton on the morning of Monday, Dec. 9, Murphy spoke to reporters from nj.com, Fox and other outlets about the understandable frustration from residents regarding the drones.
“Most importantly … we don’t see any concern to public safety,” Murphy said to the reporters. “Having said that, it’s really frustrating that we don’t have more answers as to where they’re coming form and why they’re doing what they’re doing. We had last night 49 sightings.”
How to report sightings
Delaware State Police stated that no similar sightings have been reported in the state as of Monday.
For those in or around New Jersey, there are a few ways to report alleged drone activity.
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Call the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov.
Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What are the “car-sized” drones flying over New Jersey?