Officials Respond to Widespread Drone Sightings in NY and NJ

By BoroPark24 Staff

Over the past several days, widespread reports of mysterious drone sightings have surfaced across New York and New Jersey, sparking public concern and prompting investigations by local, state, and federal authorities.

Also, Boro Park residents reported seeing two drones flying back and forth over the area on Friday night, repeatedly hovering and prompting raised eyebrows and concerns about their whereabouts and mission.

Mayor Eric Adams addressed the public’s rising anxiety: “We are aware of concerns from New Yorkers regarding drone sightings and want to assure the public that we are actively investigating the matter in close collaboration with federal, state, and local partners in New York and New Jersey. Law enforcement partners see no evidence to suggest a public safety threat, national security concern, or any foreign involvement associated with recent drone sightings in the five boroughs.”

While the NYPD has noted an uptick in drone reports over the last 48 hours, Mayor Adams clarified that overall drone detections have remained consistent over the past month. Many reports, he added, are likely attributed to manned aircraft or recreational hobby drones. “New York is investigating these incidents, but the federal government needs to grant us the powers to deal with the drones directly."

Governor Kathy Hochul echoed the call for federal support and announced new developments to address the mysterious drone activity. “In response to my calls for additional resources, our federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State. This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations. We are grateful to the Biden Administration for their support, but ultimately we need further assistance from Congress. Passing the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act will give New York and our peers the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today.”

The deployment of this high-tech drone detection system comes as swarms of unidentified flying objects flickering across the night sky have left both experts and residents perplexed. Hochul emphasized that while investigations are ongoing, these tools will provide critical support to local, state, and federal agencies.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Northern Command confirmed that they are monitoring unauthorized drone activity near military installations, including key sites in New Jersey such as Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. Local law enforcement and the FBI are spearheading investigations, with additional support on standby if incidents escalate further.

The FBI and DHS issued a joint statement, assuring the public that while the events are being closely monitored, there is “currently no evidence of malicious intent or a national security threat.”

Amid growing speculation, President-Elect Donald Trump weighed in, saying: “Mystery drone sightings all over the country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!”