Mysterious drones have been buzzing around several states on the East Coast, leaving people scratching their heads and officials scrambling for answers. These strange flying objects have been spotted in places like New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and even near sensitive military areas, sparking curiosity, concern, and even a few wild conspiracy theories.
The FBI has taken the lead in investigating the situation, with thousands of tips already pouring in. Local police departments are also on the case, but so far, no one seems to know where these drones are coming from or who’s controlling them.
The sightings started in mid-November, with reports of drones flying low over neighborhoods in New Jersey’s Morris County. Since then, people have seen them in New York City, suburban Rockland County, parts of Pennsylvania, and even as far as Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. In some cases, like one in the Bronx, police rushed to the scene, but the drones vanished before they could get a closer look.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is demanding answers. He wrote to President Biden, urging federal agencies to work together to figure out what’s behind the growing drone activity. “People are frustrated,” Murphy said. “We don’t know if these drones pose a threat, but it’s unsettling not to have answers.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul echoed similar sentiments, saying authorities are working closely with federal agencies like the FBI and Homeland Security. While officials stress there’s no immediate danger to public safety, they’re taking the sightings seriously.
The mystery has even reached Congress. Senators from New York and New Jersey, including Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, are pressing federal agencies for updates. Gillibrand suggested using nets or traps to capture the drones safely, adding, “We need to find out who’s behind this.”
The drones have been spotted in some pretty sensitive areas too. At Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey, officials confirmed multiple incidents of drones entering restricted airspace. While there’s no evidence of a direct threat, the base has ramped up security. Similarly, the FAA has temporarily banned drones from flying over Picatinny Arsenal and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
The public isn’t the only one frustrated. Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan recently shared a video he took of dozens of drones hovering above his home for nearly an hour. “The lack of transparency is unacceptable,” Hogan said. “People deserve answers.”
Speculation about the drones has ranged from harmless hobbyists to concerns about foreign interference. The Pentagon, however, has ruled out any connection to foreign adversaries, including a far-fetched theory about an Iranian “mothership” launching drones off the East Coast. Officials have also made it clear these aren’t U.S. military drones.
As for why authorities haven’t shot them down, there’s a practical reason: safety. Falling debris from a drone could harm people in populated areas. Base commanders do have the authority to act if a drone poses an immediate threat, but so far, that hasn’t been necessary.
This isn’t the first time drones have caused confusion. Just last year, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia reported multiple drone incursions, and military officials say they’re seeing more drones near installations every week.
For now, the mystery continues. Officials are urging anyone who spots suspicious drones to report them, and the public is left wondering: Who’s flying these things, and what do they want?
