Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Amid growing concern over mysterious drone flights, New Jersey lawmakers are proposing stricter regulations, including a temporary statewide ban on unmanned aerial devices.Large drones spotted across the state in recent weeks have evaded traditional detection methods, according to the Department of Homeland Security.Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, briefed by officials on Wednesday, described the drones as up to six feet in diameter and often operating with their lights off.What Do We Know About These Drones?The mysterious devices have been seen from the New York City area to Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.Initial sightings near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research facility, and their reported presence near President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster heightened concerns. Fantasia emphasized these drones do not appear to be flown by hobbyists.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sign sits at the headquarters in Washington, Dec. 8, 2024. Large mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, which appear to avoid…
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sign sits at the headquarters in Washington, Dec. 8, 2024. Large mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, which appear to avoid detection, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the DHS.
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Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo
While many of the reported drones are larger than recreational models, not all sightings have been confirmed.Are the Mystery Drones a Threat?Officials speculate that some objects could be airplanes or repeated sightings of the same drone. Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement maintain the drones do not pose an immediate public safety threat, though investigations are ongoing to determine their source and purpose.Two Republican congressmen, Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have called for military action against the drones.Smith highlighted a recent incident involving a dozen drones that pursued a Coast Guard vessel near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park. Coast Guard Lt. Luke Pinneo confirmed low-altitude aircraft near the vessel but said they did not interfere with operations or pose immediate risks.The FBI, Coast Guard, and state agencies are investigating the matter. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated the initial assessment does not link the drones to foreign adversaries.
Multiple mysterious drones are seen over Bernardsville, N.J., Dec. 5, 2024. On Wednesday, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a…
Multiple mysterious drones are seen over Bernardsville, N.J., Dec. 5, 2024. On Wednesday, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary.”
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Brian Glenn/AP Photo
DHS officials, while addressing concerns during a meeting with state lawmakers, noted that not all reports involve drones, further deepening the mystery.How Are Officials Responding?Gov. Murphy acknowledged public frustration, calling the situation “deadly serious.” Although he did not attend Wednesday’s briefing, he emphasized the state’s commitment to addressing the issue.Assemblyman Erik Peterson, who participated in the meeting, said DHS officials admitted they lack definitive answers about the drones’ origin or intent.Sightings continue in coastal areas and reservoirs, with reports also emerging from neighboring states. Resident James Edwards of Succasunna expressed unease, urging calm amid speculation.”It raises concern mainly because there’s so much that’s unknown,” Edwards said. Officials remain focused on uncovering the source of the drones while balancing public safety concerns and regulatory action.This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
