‘Activity’ At Essex County Airport Is Filming, Not Drones: Official

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Did you see something unusual happening at Essex County Airport in Fairfield on Friday? It’s just a film crew – not a drone, authorities say.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. shared the following message on Friday evening:

“I just want to clarify the activity happening at our Essex County Airport in Fairfield. Netflix is filming at the airport and has the permission of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] and the county. This has nothing to do with any of the recent drone sittings. There is no reason to panic.”

Since first appearing nearly a month ago, nightly drone sightings have been reported across the state. Most of the sightings have been happening from dusk to dawn. Federal investigators say they haven’t been able to figure out where the drones are coming from – but have claimed they aren’t a threat. Read More: NJ Drone Mystery Update: Feds, White House Downplay Sightings

Their explanations haven’t held much weight with increasingly frustrated residents and local officials, who are demanding more transparency from federal agencies such as U.S. Homeland Security and the FBI.

Other local officials in Essex County have made statements about drones in the past week, including Fairfield and Caldwell.

In Belleville, the mayor said residents are concerned and demanding answers after spotting drones in their hometown. Read More: Firefighters Told To Wear Hazmat Suits For Downed Drones, NJ Mayor Says

Meanwhile, several federal and state lawmakers who represent the area have also been weighing in on the controversy.

• Read More: Frustration Over NJ Drone Mystery Builds In Essex County
• Read More: NJ Leaders Shouldn’t Exploit Fears About Drones, Timberlake Urges

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