'Nefarious' Drones Appearing Over 'Critical' NJ Infrastructure: Cops

NEW JERSEY — Officials in another New Jersey county are looking into a rash of nighttime drone sightings that have been puzzling residents for weeks.

What the apparent drones are doing, and who they belong to, have been the subject of much online conjecture — but authorities have offered little in the way of explanation at this point in the probe.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead, and is working with New Jersey State Police and the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor the aerial visitors, which often appear in groups. Gov. Phil Murphy said he has communicated with the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security as well.

"We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter," Murphy said Thursday, adding that there is no known threat to the public at this time.

Some local officials have noted that the aircraft seem to be hovering near important facilities such as water reservoirs and police stations.

On Wednesday, Warren County officials acknowledged residents' concerns and also asked for help documenting any sightings, "especially those that involve critical infrastructures."

Also on Wednesday, the Florham Park Police Chief said that local law enforcement officials have been "pressuring" state and federal officials for information, as there have been sightings near electric transmission lines, rail stations, and military installations.

"While we currently have no evidence or information to indicate these drones pose an imminent threat at this time, their presence appears nefarious in nature," Police Chief Joseph Orlando said on Wednesday.

Florham Park PD said the sightings have been taking place every night for the past two weeks just after sunset and lasting “well into the early morning hours.”

Law enforcement officials in Morris and Somerset counties issued a joint statement Tuesday, also stating they were aware of the reports and would continue to monitor the drone activity.

Video posted by the Associated Press shows the flying machines over homes in Morris County, where reports first started coming in around mid-November.

The FBI began their own investigation on Nov. 26, approximately 10 days after the first sightings were reported, but there have been no updates since then. The agency also noted that some of the possible drones have been flying along the Raritan River.

"We don't want to guess, or hypothesize about what's going on," FBI spokeswoman Amy J. Thoreson told Patch on Wednesday. "We are doing all we can to figure it out."

In the meantime, the FBI asks that residents share any videos or photos they may have of the flights, along with any other relevant information.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued flight restrictions for drones over Donald Trump's National Golf Club in Bedminster, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base in Rockaway.

Officials also had to cancel a medical helicopter's arrival to a Somerset County crash scene last week because drones were hovering near the landing zone, a report said.

It’s worth remembering that every light in the night sky is not a drone, Florham Park police added:

“Please be mindful that not all low flying aircraft are drones, as we have the Morristown Municipal Airport on our western border and Newark [Liberty] International Airport in close proximity.”

Some internet pundits have insisted the lights are not airplanes, however, with one X user recently posting a video of an object that they claimed is a drone flying at 500 to 1,000 feet over New Jersey. “This isn’t a plane – you can hear the rotor blades,” they wrote.

And the buzz about the flying lights has apparently reached Essex County, where the Township of Fairfield issued the following advisory on Thursday:

“In the event of a drone sighting, please call your information into the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. You may also email them at tips@fbi.gov. Also, if you come across a drone that has landed in Fairfield, please call us so we can investigate it further and make any additional notifications, 973–227–1400.”

Sightings of bright lights in the sky continue to be reported across North Jersey.

Drone regulations

Federal regulations limit nighttime flying for drones, which are more officially referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles or unmanned aircraft systems.

Pilots must have completed an initial knowledge test or training, and the drone must have anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least three miles.

There are also limits when it comes to flying a drone directly over other people: The aircraft must weigh 0.55 pounds or less, and contain no rotating parts.

Under current FAA regulations, a drone pilot may only operate one drone at a time, but organizations can apply for a waiver to fly more than one.

Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines up to $75,000. The FAA can also suspend or revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates.

And for any drone-weary resident who is thinking of just trying to shoot one out of the sky, know that the FAA considers drones as aircraft and federal law prohibits the destruction or sabotage of any aircraft within U.S. airspace.

Related coverage —

• Drone Or Plane? Newark Airport In ‘Close Proximity’ To NJ Sightings
• As Drone Sightings Expand In NJ, Authorities Offer Few Answers
• Mystery Drones Stopped NJ Medical Helicopter From Landing: Report

Patch's Eric Kiefer and Russ Crespolini contributed to this report.