The FBI is urging New Jersey residents to refrain from shooting at unidentified drones or pointing lasers at aircraft following a surge in mysterious drone sightings across the region. The warning comes amid growing concerns about public safety and national security as reports of unexplained drones flood in from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
In a joint statement posted on X, the FBI Newark Field Office and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) highlighted a troubling rise in incidents where pilots of manned aircraft were hit in the eyes with lasers, potentially endangering flights.
“FBI Newark and New Jersey State Police want to warn the public about an increase in pilots of manned aircraft being hit in the eyes with lasers because people on the ground think they see an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS),” the statement read.
The agencies expressed concern that some residents may also attempt to shoot at what they believe to be drones. However, there is a real danger that these unidentified objects could actually be manned aircraft, putting lives at risk.
“There is also a concern with people possibly firing weapons at what they believe to be a UAS but could be a manned aircraft,” the statement continued. “There could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS.”
The FBI’s warning comes as reports of mysterious drone sightings have escalated, particularly near sensitive locations. Residents claim to have spotted drones hovering above places such as Picatinny Arsenal military base and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The unexplained aerial activity has fueled public anxiety and numerous theories about the drones’ origins and intentions.
In response, the FBI, NJSP, and other law enforcement agencies have been working overtime to investigate the sightings. “FBI Newark, NJSP, and dozens of other agencies and law enforcement partners have been out every night for several weeks to legally track down operators acting illegally or with nefarious intent,” the statement added. “We are using every available tool and piece of equipment to find the answers the public is seeking.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced on Monday that federal authorities had provided the state with advanced surveillance equipment to help monitor the skies and identify the mysterious aircraft. “We received three sophisticated systems from the federal government over the weekend to help monitor the skies and identify unmanned aircraft,” Murphy said, according to 6ABC News.
While the drones remain unidentified, their repeated appearances have spurred calls for action from lawmakers at both state and federal levels.
Several prominent New Jersey lawmakers have called for immediate government intervention to address the growing mystery. State Senator Jon Bramnick (R) and Representative Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ) urged federal agencies to prioritize investigating and identifying the drones.
Meanwhile, Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) stirred controversy with claims that Iran might be responsible for the drone sightings. He even suggested that a “mothership” was positioned off the East Coast, coordinating drone activity. The Pentagon swiftly dismissed the allegation, stating there was no evidence to support the existence of a mothership.
Nevertheless, public speculation about the drones’ origin—ranging from foreign adversaries to commercial operations—continues to grow, fueling anxiety.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also weighed in, urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deploy specialized detection systems to monitor drone activity and provide transparency. “We need answers, and we need them now,” Schumer said. “The public has a right to know what’s happening in our skies.”
While the government ramps up its investigation, the FBI’s warning is clear: residents must refrain from taking matters into their own hands. Pointing lasers at aircraft can disorient pilots, endanger passengers, and result in federal charges. Similarly, discharging firearms at suspected drones not only poses safety risks but could also violate federal aviation laws.
The surge in mysterious drone sightings has heightened public fears, but law enforcement officials emphasize that dangerous actions from the ground only complicate efforts to identify and resolve the issue.
“We understand the public’s concern and frustration,” an FBI spokesperson added. “But shooting at unidentified aircraft or interfering with flights endangers everyone.”
As the investigation into the unidentified drones continues, residents remain on edge. Are these drones the work of a foreign entity, commercial operators, or something else entirely? With government agencies actively monitoring the skies, officials promise answers soon.
For now, the FBI and New Jersey State Police urge the public to remain vigilant—but to leave the matter in the hands of authorities. The consequences of mistaken actions, they warn, could be deadly.
One thing is certain: until the source of these drones is identified, the mystery in the skies will remain a pressing concern.
9 Comments
It strikes me that the FBI is barking up the wrong tree again (fill in your own reason). As for shooting at drones, there are already laws against firearm discharges in populated areas, which is where the drones are being spotted. As for laser strikes on aircraft; I fail to understand why laser safe glasses or cockpit glass are not a requirement for pilots. Laser threats to pilots have been around for a long time. It takes a pretty high powered laser to harm anyone at a distance longer than an approach pattern but the precautions should already be in place. The FBI should just stop lying to people about what the drones are; problem solved.
The FBI has to lie to keep the entire population of the East Coast from evacuting ahead of the EMP or radioactive dirty bomb attacks about to be deployed by the Iranian/CCP command ships off the East and West Coasts!
Perhaps it is cover for a FBI FALSE FLAG drone attack on Trump blamed on Aliens.
…How do I know?
It’s what I would do as the DEEP STATE, if I needed a pretext to declare Martial Law and cancel/take out Trump on or before the Jan. 20th, 2025 inauguration.
how come the government has not already sent planes up to take a look to see what’s going on
Because they already know what is going on but don’t want you or I to know.
Shoot them down as they do not belong in our skies!!!!!!!
How would the FBI know if you shot down a drone since it would have to be at night; unless the FBI or other government agency are the ones flying them as surveillance practice. And yet every government agency refused to admit the federal government is ones flying the drone. And they are confused why no one believes a word they say, they should fess up and end this drama.
Exactly. Mayorkas the liar and his cohorts in the FBI know exactly what the drones are doing. I will throw a party when those jerks are tossed out. Way too infuriating.
As a citizen who is being compromised by our own government I would quote the CONST?ITUTION and address the government to do what is necessary to stop and capture these drones or by Constitutional rights oppose this Biden socialist government by calling the m out and bring charges of sedition and/or treason against this regime now.
ABSOLUTELY; that is the case!
LOCK THEM UP!!!