>> Situation Overview
Since mid-November 2024, multiple counties in New Jersey, as well as parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Connecticut, have reported sightings of unidentified drones at night. These drones have been observed over critical infrastructure like reservoirs, rail stations, military installations, and even near Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. The situation has caused significant concern among residents and officials, leading to demands for more transparency and action from federal agencies.
>> Timeline of Events
- Mid-November 2024: Initial reports of drone sightings emerge in Morris and Warren counties, New Jersey.
- November 18, 2024: The first official sighting is confirmed, with drones noted over New Jersey's night sky.
- November 19, 2024: Morris County Prosecutor's Office confirms officers observed drone activity the previous night.
- November 26, 2024: An FBI official from the Newark Office states they are working with state and local partners on the reported drone activity.
- December 4, 2024: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy convenes a briefing with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other officials to discuss the drone situation.
- December 5, 2024: Photos and videos of suspected drones flood social media, leading to the creation of groups dedicated to solving the mystery. Murphy reassures that there is no known threat to public safety.
- December 11, 2024: State lawmakers are briefed by security officials, and there's mention of drones operating in a coordinated manner, with some having lights turned off. The DoD denies any foreign origin for the drones.
- December 12, 2024: Local officials express frustration over the lack of insight from the FBI and Homeland Security into their investigations. Reports range from four to 180 sightings per night.
- December 13, 2024: The FBI and DHS issue a joint statement suggesting many reported sightings might be misidentified lawful, manned flights. The situation extends beyond New Jersey with sightings reported in New York, Maryland, and Connecticut.
- December 15, 2024: The number of sightings reported in New Jersey exceeds 1,000 since the first sighting, with various theories circulating, including those from public figures like Joe Rogan and Roseanne Barr.
- December 16, 2024: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Defense (DoD) released a joint statement on the drone sightings in New Jersey.
>> Prominent Theories
Many believe these drones could be part of a classified U.S. government or military operation, possibly testing new surveillance or drone technology. This theory is fueled by the drones' appearance near sensitive military sites like Picatinny Arsenal and their operation in a coordinated manner at night.
There's speculation that foreign nations, with China being specifically mentioned by some, might be behind these drone activities as part of espionage or intelligence gathering efforts. This theory connects to broader concerns about foreign threats to U.S. security, reminiscent of events like the Chinese spy balloon incident.
Some suggest that after initial sightings, perhaps related to legitimate government operations, copycats have taken to the skies, either out of curiosity or to contribute to the mystery. This theory posits that the initial drone activity might have been an authorized operation that inspired others to fly drones in the same areas.