NJ Residents Say They’ll Take Out Mystery Drones Themselves, Bypass Government [WATCH]

Residents in New Jersey are expressing growing frustration over unexplained drone sightings in their skies, with some threatening to take matters into their own hands if government officials fail to provide clear answers.

Reports of dozens of potential drone sightings have poured in since mid-November, sparking concerns among locals and prompting state officials to escalate their calls for federal intervention.

Time lapse video of the New Jersey drones the other night pic.twitter.com/SaoSUdo9i5

— Jayroo (@jayroo69) December 11, 2024

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One recent sighting was captured on video by James Ward, a realtor from the Jersey Shore, who shared footage on Facebook showing what he described as “SUV-size drones” hovering above Island Beach State Park. While the clip showed multiple lights in the sky, the exact size of the objects remains unclear.

Ward’s post quickly gained traction, with commenters suggesting drastic measures, including shooting down the drones to trace their origins.

Me, every night in New Jersey waiting for a drone. pic.twitter.com/mphnHf2BsI

— G (@stevensongs) December 11, 2024

However, experts have warned that such actions are illegal.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), shooting down a drone violates federal laws governing the sabotage of aircraft, which could result in fines or imprisonment.

BREAKING: The Warren County Police Chiefs’ Association has issued a statement addressing concerns over recent drone activity observed flying over New Jersey. The association has expressed frustration with what it describes as a lack of adequate action or response from the federal… pic.twitter.com/oSdAhvyAXY

— I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) December 13, 2024

Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, and two Republican congressmen have called on federal agencies to act, including shooting down any unidentified drones posing a potential threat.

Lawmakers from both parties have pressed for answers, but federal investigations have yet to yield clear conclusions about the drones’ origins.

Eye witness says the drone he saw over New Jersey was 40 x 40, larger than a 2 car garage.

When did we start allowing this in our airspace? Or does the government know more than they claim?pic.twitter.com/MfVXl2zFDS

— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) December 12, 2024

.@HawleyMO IF OUR GOVERNMENT REALLY DOESN’T KNOW WHAT THESE GIANT DRONES ARE OVER NEW JERSEY AND OUR MILITARY BASES, THEY’RE EVEN MORE INCOMPETENT THAN WE THOUGHT. TIME FOR THEM TO LEVEL WITH US ABOUT WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON. pic.twitter.com/xMkHapiSmw

— Eagle Wings (@CRRJA5) December 11, 2024

The FAA confirmed it is investigating the sightings and has implemented temporary flight restrictions in areas with reported drone activity, including around the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.

A spokesperson stated, “We look into all reports of unauthorized drone operations and investigate when appropriate. Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines up to $75,000.”

At a hearing earlier this week, state lawmakers voiced dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in identifying the source of the drones.

State Rep. Brian Bergen walked out of the meeting, calling it “the biggest waste of five hours in my life.”

He told NewsNation, “They don’t know where the drones are coming from, they don’t know who’s doing it. They don’t know why they’re doing it. But they say there’s ‘no credible threat.’ It was annoying to be there.”

Watch: NJ State Rep Brian Bergen walked OUT of the homeland security briefing on the drone situation in NJ, fed up@votebergen @NewsNation #NJ #Drone pic.twitter.com/go5lZX0Vat

— Rich McHugh (@RichMcHugh) December 11, 2024

Gov. Murphy reported 49 drone sightings on Sunday alone, primarily in Hunterdon County.

Meanwhile, the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey obtained a temporary flight restriction for its airspace, citing the surge in drone activity.

New Jersey enters State of Emergency, unable to identify the mystery drones terrorizing the state.

FBI to Congress: “We just don’t know”

U.S. Military denies NJ drones are theirs

$1 Trillion dollars on defense spending and that’s what we get for answers? pic.twitter.com/7ujbx2W2yv

— Brandon Aceto (@BrandonAceto) December 11, 2024

In Washington, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans for a classified briefing on the drone incidents.

During a public hearing, FBI Assistant Director of the Critical Incident Response Group Robert Wheeler acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the drones, saying, “There is nothing that is known that would lead me to say [Americans are at risk], but we just don’t know. And that’s the concerning part.”

Adding to the national conversation, federal prosecutors in California recently arrested Yinpiao Zhou, a Chinese citizen accused of flying a hacked drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base to capture unauthorized photos.

A Chinese citizen, Yinpiao Zhou, 39, who legally resides in the US (lawful permanent resident status), was just arrested for operating drones to photograph the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

He was arrested right as he was about to board a flight to China. The judge… pic.twitter.com/Hx2CU26B4L

— Marina Medvin (@MarinaMedvin) December 11, 2024

While there is no known connection between the New Jersey sightings and the California case, the incident has heightened awareness of the potential security risks posed by drones.

State Sen. Joe Pennacchio, a Republican, has called on President-elect Donald Trump’s administration to prioritize an investigation into the New Jersey drone sightings.

In a letter, Pennacchio emphasized the importance of federal security agencies providing answers to ensure the safety of New Jersey residents.

“Local, county, and state law enforcement officials are working diligently trying to find answers,” Pennacchio wrote. “Without these answers, we have no idea whether the citizens of our state are safe.”

As investigations continue, New Jersey residents remain on edge, demanding transparency and swift action to resolve the ongoing mystery.

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