More sightings reported amid FBI investigation
Mysterious drone sightings continue to be reported in New Jersey as state and federal officials investigate their origin.
Some of the latest reported sightings took place near a Hunterdon County reservoir in the northern part of the state, as well as further south in Monmouth and Ocean counties and into Philadelphia-area townships like Cherry Hill and Evesham.
Officials have continued to state that the drones do not pose any known threat to public safety. Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working in coordination to investigate the sightings.
Here’s what we know so far, and what civilians can do if they spot a possible drone.
FBI joins investigation after long list of sightings
The most recent sightings come as, in recent weeks, other large drones have been spotted across parts of the Garden State, so much so that the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it was launching an investigation.
On Tuesday, the FBI issued a joint statement with the New Jersey State Police and the State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness asking for information related to “the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River.”
“Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft,” FBI spokesperson Amy Thoreson said. “We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks.”
The FBI is also investigating reports of a “fixed-wing aircraft” seen flying along the Raritan River, according to reporting from The Daily Record, part of the USA TODAY Network.
FAA bans drones in the area
Last month the Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction prohibiting drone flights over Trump National Golf Club Bedminster and the Picatinny Arsenal military research and manufacturing facility in Morris County. The move came “at the request of federal security partners,” the FAA said.
What to do if you see drones in New Jersey
The FBI asks that anyone who sees the drones call 1-800-225-5324 or submit tips and video footage at www.tips.fbi.gov.
What local residents say
Although law enforcement officials say there is no current threat, that does not mean that local residents haven’t been spooked. Jonelle Ferentinos is one witness looking for more answers. Ferentinos told the Daily Record that she had seen the drones for several weeks when out for nightly dog walks. On Sunday night, she says she saw five of them.
“It was dark, so I really couldn’t see where they were coming from or going to,” she said. “They just seemed to be flying around.”
The drones were back in her neighborhood Monday night, up to four at a time, hovering and moving about in different directions, she said.
Contributing: William Westhoven, The Daily Record; Saleen Martin, USA TODAY; Erik Larsen and Dan Radel, Asbury Park Press
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
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