New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said the recent drones which have been sighted in the state are “very sophisticated,” saying, “the minute you get your eyes on them, they go dark.”
In a Monday press conference, Murphy acknowledged public frustration about the recent surge of mysterious drone sightings but emphasized that authorities have found no evidence of a threat to public safety.
“The most important point to say is we don’t see any concern for public safety,” he said, adding that local, state, and federal authorities, including the FBI and Homeland Security, are working together to uncover the drones’ origins.
Murphy disclosed that there were 49 reported sightings on Sunday, predominantly in Hunterdon County, though he noted some reports might overlap. “These are apparently very, as I understand it, very sophisticated. The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark,” he said.
“We’re obviously most concerned about sensitive targets and sensitive critical infrastructure,” he said. “See, we’ve got military assets. We’ve got utility assets. We’ve got the president-elect, one of his homes here. This is something we’re taking deadly seriously.”
Murphy urged residents to report drone sightings to local law enforcement or the FBI, promising transparency: “If we have news, I’ll let you know the minute we know something.”
The sightings, which began last month, have alarmed residents and led to an ongoing FBI investigation.
Drones have reportedly been spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military facility, and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily restricted drone flights over these locations.
The drones, often described as large, brightly lit, and loud, have also been reported over reservoirs, electric transmission lines, and police stations. Some eyewitnesses have said they are the size of small cars.
A viral video claiming to show a drone crash circulated online, though no official confirmation has emerged.
Joseph Orlando, Florham Park Police chief, called the drones’ presence “nefarious in nature,” though authorities maintain there is no imminent threat.
Unusual phenomena have been linked to the sightings, including a family’s report of their car clock changing while a drone hovered overhead.
Last week, Murphy met with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other officials, later posting on social media, “we are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter. There is no known threat to the public at this time.”
