Drones over New Jersey
The Biden administration, through federal agencies including the FBI and DHS, issued official statements addressing multiple drone sightings reported over New Jersey's skyline on November 18. According to the FBI, numerous reports described unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the area, prompting FBI Newark to open an investigation two days later.
On December 3, the FBI established a dedicated hotline and online tip line to alleviate the burden on 911 call centers. These efforts yielded approximately 5,000 tips, of which 100 leads are being actively investigated. The FBI stated:
"We have been working closely with over 50 local, state, and federal partners, conducting various investigative activities, including issuing legal processes to relevant companies tied to key UAS events. Visual observation teams have been deployed across New Jersey, including military installations, to analyze video and radar data. So far, all large fixed-wing sightings have been determined to involve manned aircraft."
The FBI added that intelligence comparisons with other UAS activities and consultations with experts have helped refine their investigative focus. Despite initial reports, the agency clarified that all reports of downed drones have proven irrelevant to the investigation. Most sightings were ground-based, with very few coming from pilots of manned aircraft.
The DHS echoed the FBI’s findings, stating that there is no evidence the drones pose a threat to public safety. However, DHS officials are exploring the possibility that some sightings may involve misidentified manned aircraft. A DHS spokesperson noted:
"We have not detected electronic signals to confirm the visual reports. However, geospatial modeling has shown overlap between reported drone sightings and manned aircraft flight paths, leading us to believe many sightings are misidentifications."
The FAA also addressed the issue, emphasizing the legality of drone operations within U.S. airspace under specific parameters, including staying below 400 feet, maintaining line of sight, and avoiding restricted areas. To enhance safety, the FAA implemented temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over key locations in New Jersey:
Picatinny Arsenal: A 2-nautical-mile, 2,000-foot altitude restriction effective November 20, expiring December 26 (subject to extension).
Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster: A 1-nautical-mile, 1,000-foot altitude restriction effective November 22, expiring December 20 (also subject to extension).
The FAA reiterated its commitment to safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System, underscoring that unauthorized drone operations, including those for news or videography, require special authorization.
As investigations continue, federal agencies remain engaged with local and state partners to address public concerns and advance efforts to track and identify drone activities.