Over the past month, reports of mystery drone sightings have set off panic in communities around the Garden State.

The first such reports of drone activity surfaced in Morris County Nov. 18. The sightings have continued consistently since, prompting social media videos that led to worry among residents as well as a demand for answers from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

On his WNYC radio show Dec. 11, Gov. Phil Murphy field questions about the situation. The governor conceded he still was waiting for answers to many questions himself.

“Folks have to realize, overwhelmingly, that the feds have to take the lead here – and based on everything we know, there is no public safety risk that we’re aware of,” Murphy told host Nancy Solomon. “On the other hand, is it frustrating to not have more answers? Is it frustrating to not have a source for these things? Yes.”

Murphy noted there is some amount of evidence of potential overcounting for the same sightings, as well as proof that some of the flying objects are small planes being mistaken for drones.

“But there’s a non-zero amount of sightings here, without question,” said Murphy. “As you rightfully point out, we worry about critical infrastructure, in particular.”

The governor laid out a series of steps he plans to take, including further dialogue with the White House.

“I want folks out there to know – listen you’re frustrated, so are we,” said Murphy. “And we are going to stay at it, I promise you – this is our top priority. But based on everything we know, we don’t see any evidence of a risk to public safety. And clearly, and that’s largely based on the feds’ input. If that changes, we will shout it from the mountaintop.”

In agreement

Throughout the week, lawmakers on both sides – normally not aligned on many issues – were unanimous in their desire for more information and transparency. Lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels have issued statements and calls for action throughout the week.

A briefing took place Dec. 11 at State Police headquarters. After, lawmakers emerged frustrated over a lack of information and response.

“The public deserves to know that their safety is being actively protected,” said Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, R-12th District. “After sitting through that briefing, I am gravely concerned. We still don’t know who is behind these drone flights, where they are coming from, or what the state plans to do to figure it out. This level of uncertainty is unacceptable.”

“First and foremost, our top priority is the safety and security of New Jersey residents. Unfortunately, today’s briefing provided no additional clarity, leaving us frustrated and with no further information regarding these troubling incidents since they began,” New Jersey Senate Republicans said in a Dec. 11 statement.

“New Jersey State Police and local law enforcement have done an incredible job with the limited information they have, but their efforts to intervene have been severely hampered by the federal government’s jurisdiction over engagement with these aircraft,” the statement continued. “This restriction, along with the Biden administration’s slow-rolled response, has fueled growing concerns and left residents to speculate the worst-case scenario as they await answers.”

Demanding action

Senate Republicans sent a letter to Murphy Dec. 12 calling on him to demand immediate federal action on the drones.

Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-21st District, a 2025 gubernatorial candidate, has called for a limited state of emergency banning all drones until more about the situation is known.

Democrats have expressed a similar level of frustration as their Republican counterparts.

“New Jersey state legislators have been briefed by federal and state homeland security officials and law enforcement on the recent spike in drone sightings,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District, in a Dec. 11 statement. “While state officials were told today there is no known threat, there was also no explanation given for the increased sightings. Like most residents, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I want answers as soon as possible, and we will continue to press federal authorities for additional information.”

“The flights of scores of drones sighted in New Jersey is creating anxiety among residents about their origin and intent as they invade airspace over our communities. They don’t know if these flying objects pose any threat to their safety, security, or privacy,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District. “I urge the White House to direct all relevant federal authorities to use their resources to gather as much information as possible and then provide the public with a full accounting.”

Calming fears

During the White House press briefing Thursday, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby reiterated the stance from the federal government. He said there is no threat the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat — or have a foreign nexus.

“The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are investigating these sightings – and they’re working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin,” said Kirby. “Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to – and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities – corroborate any of the reported visual sightings. To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully.”

Kirby said the United States Coast Guard is providing support to New Jersey. The USCG confirmed the lack of evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels, he added.

“And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace,” said Kirby. “That said, we certainly take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems, which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports. Even though, they have uncovered no malicious activity or intent at this particular stage.”

In a Dec. 12 social media post, Murphy said he spoke with White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall. The pair discussed his concerns over the federal government’s response to the drone sightings.

“I’ll continue to press the federal government, including the @FBI, for answers on behalf of the public,” said Murphy.

The mystery continues here in New Jersey.