The Federal Aviation Administration announced temporary flight restrictions preventing drone operations over parts of New Jersey amid the slew of mysterious sightings in the area.
Earlier this month, The Dallas Express reported that officials from New Jersey were concerned over the growing number of unidentified drone sightings in the state. Congressman Josh Gottheimer announced legislation meant to address the issue, including one bill providing law enforcement additional funding to track the drones.
Even President-elect Donal Trump opined on the matter on December 13, insisting the unidentified drones should be shot down if the government cannot determine who is operating them.
“Look, I’m the speaker of the House. I have the exact same frustrations that you do and all of us do. We don’t have the answers. The administration is not providing them,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La, recently told Fox News about perceived inaction on the part of the government.
The flight restrictions issued by the FAA are active until they expire on January 17, 2025. Drones operating on behalf of national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, or disaster missions are excluded from the restriction, as are commercial operations under a narrow set of guidelines.
Popular podcast host Joe Rogan recently took to social media to tell his audience he is worried about the mysterious drones after hearing a theory from the CEO of a remote aircraft system company. John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon Unmanned, theorized on TikTok that the drones could be trying to identify a gas leak or radioactive material. However, Ferguson stressed it was all speculation and that he does not believe the drones have nefarious intent.
The FBI reportedly received 5,000 tips about the drones flying over New Jersey in November. Of those, less than 2% warranted further investigation.
Last month, The Dallas Express reported on drones spotted overseas above military installations in England. The drones were seen flying over four U.K. bases where U.S. forces are stationed and American F-15 Strike Eagle and F-35 fighter jets are housed.