Mystery Drones Baffle Local Officials, What Is Government Hiding? Reporter Sees 40-50 [WATCH]

Reports of mysterious drones flying over New Jersey have prompted concerns from residents, local officials, and even President-elect Donald Trump.

NewsNation journalist Rich McHugh, originally skeptical of the claims, reported seeing over 50 drones in Monmouth County on Thursday night during a two-hour investigation.

McHugh captured one of the drones on video and described his experience as “stunning.” He said, “If this is not the military, it is even more terrifying. These things look like they are fixed-wing and have multiple lights. We tried to chase one, and it rapidly sped off.”

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

He also noted that after returning to the area the following night, he did not observe any drones.

Drone sightings have now been reported in at least 12 counties across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Orange County, New York.

The mysterious devices have drawn attention for their unusual behavior and their apparent ability to evade tracking efforts.

On Friday, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy revealed that his department launched an industrial-grade drone to track one of the unidentified devices seen “coming off the ocean.”

However, the police drone quickly lost sight of the object.

Mastronardy stated that these drones don’t give off heat like typical drones, making them more difficult to track. “It’s not something we’ve had our hands on or experienced,” he added.

A New Jersey police department has sparked concern after it revealed that a drone it sent up to track a mystery aircraft ‘easily’ evaded their device before disappearing into thin air.

Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said it has been struggling to track the flying objects as they… pic.twitter.com/ghdLG8Avtz

— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) December 14, 2024

Footage has also surfaced online of an individual firing an airsoft gun at a drone overhead, though it remains unclear where the video was captured.

The drone sightings have prompted reactions from national and local leaders. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby sought to calm the public, stating that many of the reports are likely due to manned aircraft being mistaken for drones.

However, he acknowledged that some sightings remain unexplained and encouraged the public to report unusual activity.

The FBI has reportedly received over 3,000 tips since the first drone sightings were reported on November 18.

Early incidents included drones spotted over the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. Army facility, and President-elect Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey.

President-elect Trump addressed the growing concerns in a Truth Social post on Friday, demanding immediate transparency from the Biden administration.

“Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT,” Trump wrote.

Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT

Donald Trump Truth Social 05:37 PM EST 12/13/24 @realDonaldTrump

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 13, 2024

Trump’s remarks echoed calls from New Jersey lawmakers and other state representatives for federal authorities to provide more clarity about the situation.

Former FBI counter-drone specialist Robert D’Amico cautioned against rash measures like shooting the drones down, warning of potential risks to public safety.

He suggested that the surge in sightings might be due to a mix of increased public attention and individuals launching their own drones to investigate the phenomenon.

While officials continue to investigate the origin of the drones, the mystery has fueled speculation and concern across the affected regions.

With reports extending beyond New Jersey, residents and officials alike are awaiting further answers from the federal government.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.