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A New Jersey military research center has dismissed speculation linking it to the mysterious drones spotted over the area, confirming the sightings but denying any involvement.
In a statement to the Morristown Daily Record, Lt. Col. Craig Bonham II, base commander of Picatinny Arsenal, clarified, “While the source and cause of these aircraft operating in our area remain unknown, we can confirm that they are not the result of any Picatinny Arsenal-related activities.”
Picatinny Arsenal has documented 11 confirmed drone sightings since November 13, with an additional seven reports either inconclusive or identified as airplanes, according to Bonham.
Reports of large drones have surged across New Jersey, including near sensitive sites such as President-elect Trump’s Bedminster golf course and military research facilities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first recorded drone activity on November 18 in Morris County, approximately two miles north of Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. Drones have been seen nightly in some areas, sometimes traveling in groups, according to Patch.
On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy revealed that dozens of drone sightings were reported on Sunday alone.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue on Tuesday, stating the drones are not foreign in origin. She added that President Biden has been briefed, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI are actively investigating. When asked if foreign control of the drones had been ruled out, Jean-Pierre responded affirmatively, saying, “Yeah.”
State officials have reassured the public, emphasizing there is “no known threat.” Governor Murphy reiterated this in a social media post on Thursday, assuring residents that authorities are treating the mystery sightings with seriousness.
More recently, drone activity has also been reported on Staten Island, expanding the area of concern.
