New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed that residents are understandably feeling “frustrated” by the ongoing lack of information surrounding the mysterious drone sightings taking place throughout the state.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Murphy acknowledged the concern, highlighting that both state and federal authorities have not identified any public safety risks posed by the drones. Despite this assurance, the Governor admitted to having minimal details about the nature or purpose of these drone appearances.
“I completely understand why people are frustrated,” remarked Murphy. “It’s important to make it clear from the start that our joint efforts with agencies like Homeland Security, the FBI, the Secret Service, and our state police have not detected any potential threats to public safety.”
“Having said that, it’s really frustrating that we don’t have more answers as to where they’re coming from and why they’re doing what they’re doing. We had last night 49 sightings,” Murphy said, clarifying that some reports may have been mistaken or overlapping.
He said authorities are most concerned about sensitive targets and critical infrastructure, noting that the state has both utility and military assets. He also noted that President-elect Trump has a home in New Jersey.
“This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. We’ve gotten good cooperation out of the feds, but we need more, and that was my plea,” Murphy said.
New Jersey drone sighting map (Fox & Friends/Screengrab)
The drones were reportedly first seen over Morris County, New Jersey, in mid-November. Drones have since been observed regularly across the Garden State, including a recent uptick in Middlesex County and other areas.
“The FBI Newark, NJ State Police, and NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness are asking for the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River,” the FBI said in a statement on Dec. 3.
“Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft,” the statement continued. “We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks.”
The drone was seen over North Jersey on Tuesday. (Nicholas Lordi)
The drones have been seen nightly in some areas, and have been at times spotted traveling in groups.
Drone sightings were also recently reported on Staten Island in New York.
