Science fiction is coming to life as New Jersey residents report strange flying objects with flashing lights in the night sky above them. These drones, making their first appearance in November of 2024, look similar to airplanes from afar, but at a closer glance, they travel in different patterns. Instead of flying forwards, they glide sideways, and much closer to the ground. They also have flashing green and red lights that branch out from their bodies. Seeming to have multiplied since their initial sighting, they have been spreading out further; drones have been recorded in Philadelphia, New York, and Florida, and other regions along the East Coast. Could they be aliens? Surveillance from the government? A national security concern? They are currently a mystery to the public, but many sources speculate that the government is withholding information about these flying objects.
From a recent poll, about 45% of New Jersey residents believe that the drones are not for simple recreational use. In fact, 26% of those responses believe they are used for foreign surveillance, the two main countries accused being China and Russia. However, 17% of those responses believe they are from the United States government to “spy on citizens” (Dailymail.com). No matter the reason, it is something very unusual and has sparked much concern among residents. English teacher Mr. Basili says, “It’s very mysterious and weird; it makes people more uneasy because we are not being told a lot of information.” Sophomore Wareesha Desai seems to agree, commenting, “I think the drones are so strange and the government is definitely hiding things from us.” President Donald Trump appears to validate this, as he promises to release a report about the drones soon after taking office. He states, “I think it’s ridiculous that they are not telling you about what’s going on with the drones” (Nj.com).
Flight restrictions were put in place by The Federal Aviation Administration in certain counties in New Jersey in December, and lasted until the weekend of January 18 (Nj.com). The drones were mostly reported by residents to be flying in packs as large as eight, hovering near Donald Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster and the Picatinny Arsenal Military Base in Rockaway. John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, explained that many of the drone sightings pose no security threat as they are “lawfully operated” (Daily News). However, citizens still are concerned and suspicious about what their true purpose is above the Garden State.
In time, we will uncover their actual function–but for now, we can confidently rule out aliens… or can we?
