New Jersey State Senator Jon Bramnick is calling for an emergency ban on drone usage across the state following weeks of mysterious sightings of large drones flying in groups near critical infrastructure. Bramnick’s demand for a limited state of emergency comes amid growing public concern and heightened scrutiny from local and federal authorities.
The drones, which have been spotted over locations such as reservoirs, a 911 call center, and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course, have raised alarms due to their size, coordination, and proximity to sensitive areas. One particularly concerning sighting involved drones flying over Picatinny Arsenal, a military base in Morris County. Residents like Phil Doyle have captured footage of the drones, with videos showing them maneuvering in a coordinated fashion, sparking fears of potential nefarious activity.
Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor described the drone activity as “nefarious,” and other local officials have echoed calls for immediate action. Senator Bramnick is urging Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency and temporarily ban drone operations until authorities can determine the origin and purpose of the sightings.
Governor Murphy’s office has confirmed ongoing communication with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to address the situation. The FBI has launched an investigation and is urging residents to provide tips, footage, or any other evidence that may shed light on the drones’ operations.
The unusual activity has prompted national security concerns, especially given the potential vulnerabilities posed by drones near critical infrastructure. Some lawmakers are questioning whether the drones could be part of a surveillance operation, an unauthorized test, or even a foreign threat. An FBI official, speaking before Congress earlier this week, admitted that authorities are still working to identify who is controlling the drones and for what purpose.
New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew thinks the mysterious drones spotted throughout the Garden State could possibly be from Iran and is calling for them to be shot down. In a statement, the Republican says there is evidence that suggests the drones could be the work of foreign adversaries, specifically Iran, and thinks the situation is part of a massive national security threat. Van Drew says an Iranian drone mothership went missing from port in Iran around the same time the drone activity started. He didn’t say where this evidence came from. Meanwhile, a state senator is calling for drones to be temporarily banned. Jon Bramnick is calling for a limited state of emergency and wants the government to speak out about the sightings.
In the meantime, Bramnick is also calling on the federal government to address the public directly about the sightings and to provide transparency regarding the ongoing investigation. Residents across New Jersey and neighboring states are growing anxious as the drone activity continues unabated, with sightings now being reported in neighboring New York.
As the situation unfolds, officials are emphasizing the need for vigilance while urging calm. Bramnick’s proposed emergency ban would halt all drone flights in the state, except for those conducted by authorized entities like law enforcement and government agencies, until the situation is resolved.
The unprecedented nature of these drone sightings underscores the challenges posed by advancing technology and the importance of establishing clear regulations to ensure public safety.
