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Reports of mysterious drone sightings have expanded to more counties in New Jersey, now including Ocean, Burlington, Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren, in addition to the previously reported Morris, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading an investigation into the origins of these drones, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The drones have been spotted flying over sensitive locations such as the Trump International Golf Course in Bedminster, water reservoirs, military bases, and 9-1-1 call centers.
New York City Congresswoman Nicole Maliotakis has confirmed that drones have also been sighted over Staten Island. She is urging the public to report any drone activity to the FBI immediately. Staten Island officials have requested a formal investigation into the drones hovering over the borough.
Residents in Morris County have described the drone sightings as "unnerving" and "creepy," with many seeking answers from local authorities. Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner of Mendham Borough noted that these drones have been present for over a year, but their frequency has increased recently. Aviation expert JP Tristani expressed concerns about the safety risks posed by unauthorized drones in the crowded airspace serving major airports like Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK.
The FBI's Newark field office has acknowledged receiving reports of drone clusters and is actively investigating. Authorities at Picatinny Arsenal, a military installation in Morris County, are also involved in the investigation, emphasizing the illegality of flying drones over federal military sites without authorization.