Mysterious Drones Linked to Radioactive Material Disappearance, NJ Mayor Claims [WATCH]

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham raised concerns on Tuesday that mysterious drone activity over parts of New Jersey could be linked to missing radioactive material, though federal officials maintain that the amount in question poses no significant threat.

During an interview on Fox 5’s Good Day New York, Melham noted that drones flying in grid-like patterns over his Essex County township appeared to be conducting searches.

“What might they be looking for? Maybe that’s radioactive material,” Melham stated.

NEW: Belleville, New Jersey mayor Michael Melham says radioactive material in New Jersey went missing on December 2nd.

The mayor suggested the material may have come through Port Newark.

“We’re aware of a threat that came in through Port Newark. Maybe that’s radioactive… pic.twitter.com/Hzd06X2S9j

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 17, 2024

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His remarks follow a recent alert from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which reported a damaged and empty container meant to hold a piece of medical equipment containing radioactive material.

The shipment, originating from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield, Gloucester County, in southern New Jersey, was marked as “lost in transit” on December 2.

The missing equipment, an Eckert & Ziegler HEGL-0132 model, is used in PET scanners to calibrate accuracy for cancer scans.

It contains a small amount of the radioactive chemical Germanium-68, classified as a “pin source.”

The NRC described the radiation level as less than Category 3 on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s scale, meaning it is unlikely to cause permanent harm.

According to the NRC, “The shipping container arrived at its destination damaged and empty.”

Despite official assurances that the missing material poses minimal risk, speculation has grown on social media.

Many users questioned whether the drones reported over New Jersey are part of an effort to locate the lost radioactive equipment.

John Ferguson, CEO of a Kansas-based remote aircraft system company, contributed to the discussion in a viral video on X (formerly Twitter), which has garnered nearly 3 million views.

Ferguson suggested the drones might be searching for “a gas leak, radioactive material, or something else.”

“The only reason why you would ever fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you’re looking for something,” Ferguson said.

He added that he does not believe the drones pose a direct threat to the public.

The theory gained further attention when podcast host Joe Rogan shared Ferguson’s video, admitting it left him “very concerned” about the unexplained drone activity.

This is the first video about these drones that has got me genuinely concerned. https://t.co/yzRoie2lUn

— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) December 15, 2024

Residents and lawmakers in the tri-state area have expressed frustration with the federal government’s lack of clear explanations about the drone sightings, which have been reported for over a month.

In response to growing concern, the FBI issued a joint statement alongside other federal agencies late Monday, revealing that more than 5,000 tips regarding drone activity have been received in recent weeks. Of those, approximately 100 leads have warranted further investigation.

“Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the statement explained.

The agencies acknowledged public concern and confirmed efforts to assist local authorities. “We continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and support of law enforcement,” the statement added.

While the Biden administration has downplayed the drone activity, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated there is no public safety risk. “Many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft,” Kirby said.

KIRBY ON MYSTERY DRONES:

“Our assessment is that this is lawful, legal, commercial, hobbyist, & even law enforcement aircraft activity. Some of it’s manned, some of it’s unmanned.”pic.twitter.com/120bNWM8Wx

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 17, 2024

Nevertheless, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI announced on Monday they are deploying drone detection systems and infrared cameras to assess whether the drones pose any credible threat.

The situation remains under investigation as state and federal agencies work to address community concerns and determine the purpose behind the unexplained drone sightings.

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