Officials Testify About Drones Over New Jersey

By
Jennifer Gray
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The FBI is “actively investigating” unidentified drones buzzing around New Jersey, but let’s be honest—”actively investigating” sounds a lot like “we have no clue what’s going on.” After weeks of sightings near sensitive locations like the Picatinny Arsenal and Trump’s Bedminster golf club, the bureau testified to Congress that they’re as stumped as the rest of us. And that, friends, is what passes for national security in 2024.

During a hearing on Capitol Hill, Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) asked the question everyone in New Jersey and beyond wants answered: “What is going on in New Jersey?” Spoiler alert: FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler Jr.’s response didn’t clear things up. He confirmed that the drones are flying near critical sites and sensitive areas but said investigators haven’t pinned the activity on any individual or group. Worse, they can’t even say if the drones are linked to a specific threat. As Wheeler put it, “That’s the concerning part.” No kidding.

Here’s where things get wild—or downright frustrating. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) described a Coast Guard officer’s report of a 47-foot boat being tailed by 12 to 30 drones. Yet these unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) were allowed to keep flying unchallenged. When asked why drones aren’t being shot down over water, Wheeler explained that mitigation authority exists but hinted it’s up to the Department of Defense to act. So basically, it’s someone else’s problem.

Meanwhile, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) summed up the absurdity perfectly: “You’re telling me we don’t know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey?” After Wheeler admitted as much, Gonzales fired back, “That’s crazy. That’s madness.” He’s not wrong. If the FBI and other agencies can’t identify what’s flying over critical infrastructure, what does that say about our ability to handle actual threats?

And let’s not gloss over Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) raising concerns about drones near power plants, Coast Guard bases, and military installations in Staten Island and Brooklyn. Wheeler admitted there’s still a “possibility” of a threat but couldn’t rule out the idea that these might be tests of security technology. Comforting, isn’t it? Either we’re dealing with adversaries probing our defenses, or we’ve got rogue operators playing games with our infrastructure.

The real kicker? This isn’t even the first time drones have caused a stir near sensitive locations. Last year, there were similar incidents near Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Yet here we are, still scratching our heads, wondering who—or what—is behind these flights. It’s a stark reminder of how unprepared we seem to be for emerging threats in the skies.

The American people deserve better than vague reassurances and bureaucratic shrugs. This is a clear wake-up call for the FBI, the Department of Defense, and every agency tasked with protecting our national security. Unidentified drones aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a potential threat. And if our best answer is “we don’t know,” it’s time to rethink how we handle security in an era where the skies are as contested as the ground.

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