Since mid-November 2024, residents across New Jersey have reported sightings of large, unidentified drones operating over residential areas and near sensitive locations, including critical infrastructure and military installations. The sightings, primarily occurring at night, have sparked widespread speculation, public concern, and calls for government transparency.
Amid growing unease, former CIA operations officer Laura Ballman has proposed that the drones could be part of a classified government exercise. Her theory, shared in a recent interview, suggests the possibility of the U.S. government testing advanced technologies, though this idea remains speculative.
Sightings Spark Concern and Speculation
The drones reported by New Jersey residents are described as unusually large, some as big as SUVs, and appear to fly in coordinated patterns. Witnesses across several counties, including Morris, Hunterdon, and Somerset, have documented their observations through videos and photos shared widely on social media. Despite numerous sightings, no definitive explanation has been provided, leaving the public to speculate about the drones\’ origin and purpose.
Local leaders and residents have expressed frustration over the lack of concrete information. A group of 21 New Jersey mayors sent a formal letter to Governor Phil Murphy, urging immediate action to investigate and address the sightings. They cited potential risks associated with unidentified drones flying near vital infrastructure and called for increased surveillance.
Former CIA Officer’s Theory
Former CIA officer Laura Ballman has offered a potential explanation, suggesting the drones could be part of a classified U.S. government exercise. Ballman theorized that the drones might be testing detection and evasion technologies in urban settings. While acknowledging that her hypothesis is speculative, she stated that such exercises align with the behavior and size of the drones observed.
However, Ballman also criticized the lack of transparency from federal agencies, warning that withholding information has fueled public anxiety and conspiracy theories. “When the government stays silent on issues like this, it leaves the public to fill in the gaps,” Ballman said in her interview.
Government Response
Federal authorities, including the FBI and Pentagon, have acknowledged the reports and are investigating. The FBI’s Newark office has encouraged residents to report sightings but has cautioned against public interference with the drones. Officials have downplayed the threat, attributing many sightings to misidentified aircraft such as helicopters or private planes.
The Pentagon has also stated that there is no evidence linking the drones to foreign adversaries or posing a direct threat to public safety. Despite these assurances, the lack of definitive answers has done little to quell public concerns.
Governor Murphy addressed the issue, emphasizing the need for more transparency from federal agencies. “While we have no evidence of an immediate public safety threat, it’s critical to understand what’s happening in our skies,” Murphy said.
Calls for Decisive Action
Public figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, have called for stronger action to resolve the mystery. Trump has suggested that the military should intercept or shoot down one of the drones to determine its origin and purpose, a view echoed by some local leaders and residents.
“This isn’t just a question of curiosity—it’s about ensuring the safety of our communities,” said a local official from Morris County. Residents, meanwhile, remain vigilant, documenting sightings and sharing information online.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the New Jersey drone sightings is ongoing. Federal agencies have yet to determine the drones’ operators or their intentions. Speculation continues, with theories ranging from government exercises to corporate tests of new technologies, hobbyist activities, and even foreign reconnaissance.
As the investigation unfolds, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious drone activity to local authorities while avoiding any direct attempts to engage with the drones.
Sources
- Ex-CIA staffer offers \’unsettling\’ theory behind drones as feds dismiss concerns as \’overreaction\’
- Mystery deepens on who is behind \’drones\’ over US as Trump calls for army to shoot them down & blasts Biden\’s silence
- Mystery drone sightings keep happening in New Jersey. Here\’s what we know (and don\’t know)
- FBI investigating mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey
