Drone Sightings Continue: Feds Have Few Answers, Local Task Force Begins to Hunt

For over a month, clusters of large drones have been reported nightly across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, with additional sightings now documented in Connecticut, Virginia, Ohio, and Massachusetts. Despite extensive investigations by local, state, and federal authorities, the origins, operators, and purpose of these drones remain shrouded in mystery.

What We Know

Reports of drone activity began in mid-November, with sightings concentrated in Morris County, New Jersey. According to local residents and law enforcement, these drones are unusually large, described as being the size of small cars, and exhibit advanced capabilities such as flying in formation and "going dark" after being seen.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI, have confirmed the sightings and launched a joint investigation. Yet, as of December 19, authorities have been unable to identify the drones' operators, pinpoint their takeoff and landing locations, or determine their purpose.

Joseph Orlando, Chief of Police for Florham Park, NJ, noted that the drones have been observed near critical infrastructure, including water reservoirs, military installations, and electric transmission lines. These sightings have raised significant concerns about public safety and national security.

Escalating Responses

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed temporary flight restrictions over the Picatinny Arsenal military base and President-elect Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster in early December. Meanwhile, the FBI has set up a tip line, which has received over 5,000 reports to date.

At a December 11 briefing attended by more than 200 New Jersey mayors, Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police revealed that federal authorities, including the Department of Defense, had confirmed the drones were not part of any U.S. government program. Recent updates from Mendham Township Mayor Sarah Neibart suggest that the U.S. Coast Guard has joined the investigation, and advanced drone detection systems are now operational in New Jersey.

Community and Political Responses

The mystery has sparked anxiety among residents and frustration among local officials. Over 20 New Jersey mayors signed a letter on December 9 demanding greater transparency from federal authorities. Governor Phil Murphy echoed these sentiments, calling for more resources and emphasizing the sophistication of the drones.

In Mendham Borough, Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner has launched a grassroots "Skywatch Task Force" to gather clearer photographic evidence of the drones. Residents are invited to participate in a stakeout at Borough Park Field tonight at 5:30 p.m.

"Last week we convened a last minute briefing on the drone situation that has been over our skies for over a month. Since that time I have attended a State briefing for Mayors at the State Police HQ in Ewing, and participated on a conference call for New Jersey Mayors arranged by the White House with speakers from various security agencies.You are seeing on the news the same thing that they have told us. To clarify we have been told that we have nothing to worry about, yet they are not certain if these drones could be carrying payload. We have also been told that they are not federal or state government drones, but they believe they are hobbyist, commercial, and police drones. Since we are all watching the skies and taking pictures, we decided to form the Skywatch Task Force and organize our own efforts. Our goal is to get a clear picture or video of what many in our town believe to be drones the size of a vehicle. I have brought together a group of volunteer residents that each offer unique expertise in helping us with this goal.Should we capture a picture of something that is more than a small drone, we will share this with the NJ State Police. We have arranged to gather tonight to do a Skywatch stakeout at Borough Park Field at 5:30pm. If you are able to assist and watch the sky from your home and believe you see a drone, it would be greatly appreciated if you would take a video or pictures." - Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner

Click here to send information to the Mendham Borough "Skywatch Task Force."

Broader Implications

Drone sightings have extended beyond the tri-state area, with reports now emerging from across the United States and even abroad. The drones have reportedly been seen near four U.S. Air Force bases in the U.K., raising questions about the global scope of the phenomenon.

While authorities believe some sightings may be misidentifications of hobbyist or commercial drones, the advanced technology and coordinated movements of these aircraft suggest a more sophisticated origin.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FAA, and FBI assured local leaders in a recent briefing that investigations are ongoing. New detection systems and forthcoming Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems training aim to better equip law enforcement to manage these challenges.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, report sightings to the NJOHSP Counter-Threat Watch Unit (1-866-472-3365 or tips@njohsp.gov), and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, as shooting down drones remains illegal and dangerous.

As investigations continue, the mystery surrounding these drones persists, leaving communities across the region looking skyward for answers.

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