(WDNews) Naval Weapons Station Earle confirmed Friday that multiple unidentified drones have entered its restricted airspace, prompting cooperation with federal and state agencies to ensure safety. The sightings come amid growing concerns over similar drone activity across northern New Jersey.
“While no direct threats to the installation have been identified, we can confirm multiple instances of unidentified drones entering the airspace above Naval Weapons Station Earle,” said Bill Addison, the station’s public affairs officer. “The base remains prepared to respond to any potential risks, leveraging robust security measures and advanced detection capabilities.” Officials did not specify when the incidents occurred.
Reports of large drones flying overhead at night have increased since mid-November, particularly in Morris and Somerset counties. New Jersey State Police have been investigating the activity since Nov. 18, with many residents sharing videos and expressing unease. Gov. Phil Murphy, in a letter to President Joe Biden, called for additional federal resources to address the issue and greater transparency for New Jersey residents.
“New Jersey residents deserve more concrete information about these UAS sightings and what is causing them,” Murphy wrote. “The continued reports of UAS activity have raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories across social media and other platforms.” Murphy also called on Congress to expand state and local authority to use “advanced detection and mitigation technologies.”
Sen. Andy Kim spent Thursday night in Hunterdon County, where he said he witnessed dozens of drones in a two-hour span. “People deserve answers,” Kim said. “We don’t need conspiracy theories or conjecture. We need assurances that the people charged with keeping us safe are on top of this issue.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented temporary drone flight restrictions over critical locations such as Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. National security communications adviser John Kirby, however, downplayed concerns during a White House briefing Thursday.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said. He added that the Department of Homeland Security and FBI are investigating and working with local law enforcement. Still, he acknowledged, “We have been unable to corroborate some of the reported sightings.”
Despite federal reassurances, Kim said residents remain uneasy. “It’s hard for people to feel secure when there are unexplained drones flying overhead and they’re not getting answers they need from the federal investigation,” Kim said. “This has been going on for weeks, and I’m just as frustrated as everyone else.”
Drone sightings have also been reported in New York, including Staten Island, and near critical infrastructure such as the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella called for answers during a press conference Friday. “The people of Staten Island deserve answers. The people of this city and state and region deserve answers of what the heck is going on,” Fossella said.
The sightings have prompted concerns beyond New Jersey. Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he saw “what appeared to be dozens of large drones” flying above his residence Thursday night, criticizing the federal government’s response as “negligent.”
As federal and state investigations continue, residents and officials alike are demanding transparency and swift action to address the mysterious activity.
