New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy calls for federal help amid 'very sophisticated' drone sightings: 'We need more'

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

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.”

Drone in sky

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.

You May Also Like
Location of Banksy's latest masterpiece is revealed - is it in YOUR hometown?

The Mystery Unveiled: Where Banksy’s Latest Masterpiece is Located – Could it Be in Your Hometown?

The location of Banksy’s latest masterpiece has finally been revealed after internet…
ABC7 I-Team reporting into illegal gun trafficking through Chicago's O'Hare International Airport leads to congressional inquiry

Investigation by ABC7 I-Team reveals illegal gun trafficking through O’Hare Airport, prompting congressional investigation

CHICAGO (WLS) — An Illinois U.S. congressman has initiated an official investigation…
Teen from Allen, Texas wins Scripps National Spelling Bee with 'eclaircissement'

Allen, Texas Teen Emerges Victorious in Scripps National Spelling Bee with ‘eclaircissement’ Win

After correctly spelling “éclaircissement” in the 21st round of the Scripps National…

“Join the 2025 Gibbons Run at Montrose Harbor in Chicago for a Good Cause on May 31!”

CHICAGO (WLS) — People in Chicago are invited to take part in…
Exclusive video: Feds bust fraud ring accused of stealing $47M in COVID, small business loans

Video: Authorities arrest fraud group allegedly stealing $47 million in COVID relief and small business loans

For the second week in a row, the Department of Homeland Security…
Intel Official Busted for Selling Top Secret Info to Foreign Nation Because He Was ‘Disturbed’ by Trump

Intel Agent Caught Selling Classified Information to Foreign Country Due to Disapproval of Trump

Nathan Vilas Laatsch, a 28-year-old IT specialist with Top Secret clearance for…
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Brings Fire to Econ Conference—It's 'The Enemy Within' That Could Doom US

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, discusses threats to the US economy at conference

Delivering his remarks at the forum in the Reagan Presidential Library, Dimon’s…
Loretta Swit, known for role as Major Margaret Houlihan on 'M*A*S*H,' dies at 87

Actress Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret Houlihan on ‘M*A*S*H,’ passes away at age 87

NEW YORK (KABC) — Loretta Swit, the actress best known for her…
Investigation into golf cart accident that left NFL legend John Elway's agent dead remains open

Investigation Continues into Golf Cart Accident Involving Death of NFL Legend John Elway’s Agent

Deputies in California are continuing to investigate a golf cart accident involving…
Ooh la law: France snuffing out smoking in parks, beaches, more

France Cracks Down on Smoking in Parks, Beaches, and Other Locations

The French government has implemented a new measure to address smoking in…
Canadian wildfires 2025: Smoke from Canada forecast to move into Chicago area Friday,, could leave smoky skies for weekend

New Article: Smoke from Canadian wildfires expected to reach Chicago on Friday, may cause hazy conditions over the weekend

CHICAGO (WLS) — Smoke from wildfires in Canada is expected to make…
Terrified residents of 'Mad Max' Kansas City reveal the truth about why it's spinning out of control

Frightened Kansas City residents share the real reasons behind the chaos viewed as ‘Mad Max’ style

The Mad Max movie series offered a terrifying vision of society collapsing…