The large mysterious drones reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks appear to avoid detection by traditional methods, like helicopters and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security.
Mayors and lawmakers from across the state were briefed on what federal officials know so far and who they think is behind the drones suddenly appearing.
In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off.
The Morris County Republican was among several state and local lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the spate of sightings that range from the New York City area through New Jersey, eastward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. The devices do not appear to be being flown by hobbyists, Fantasia wrote.
Earlier this month, authorities were investigating a series of unexplained drone sightings near President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course in Somerset County, New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has responded by restricting drone flights over the Trump National Golf Club and nearby Picatinny Arsenal Military Base.
Drone activity near Trump’s property has been reported since November 18, with witnesses describing multiple drones and even a fixed-wing aircraft operating in the area. The FAA issued a flight restriction over the golf course from November 22 to December 1, while the restriction over the military base runs until December 26.
The FBI is working with the FAA, New Jersey State Police, and the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to determine the origin and intent of the flights. FBI spokeswoman Amy J. Thoreson confirmed the investigation, stating, “We are working with several of our law enforcement partners to figure out what’s going on.”
Local residents have described seeing as many as eight drones at once. One resident, Christian Kalweit of Mendham, reported spotting a drone as large as a Cessna aircraft, suggesting the drones might be military-grade. “You’re not buying that off of Amazon or some hobby store,” Kalweit said.
