Mysterious Drone Sightings

Joe Rogan has expressed unease regarding a recent wave of mysterious drone activity across the tristate area, admitting that a theory about their purpose has left him “genuinely concerned.”

Residents in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and other East Coast states have reported numerous drone sightings, with photos and videos flooding social media. According to CBS News and other outlets, these occurrences have sparked widespread curiosity—and some anxiety.

A number of drones have been spotted over several states. Credit: Monmouth County Sheriff's Office

A TikTok Theory Gains Attention

Rogan’s comments came after a TikTok video posted by John Ferguson, CEO of a Kansas-based remote aircraft systems company. Ferguson speculated that the drones could be equipped to “smell” harmful substances such as gas leaks or radioactive material.

“The only reason why you would ever fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you’re looking for something,” Ferguson explained. While he emphasized that his theory was speculative, he drew on his professional experience in drone technology.

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“My belief is they’re trying to smell something on the ground—gas leaks, radioactive material, whatever,” he said. Ferguson clarified that his claims were unverified: “I’ve not bounced this off anybody. If you think it’s bulls**t, whatever, that’s cool. I don’t want to spread misinformation.”

The theory quickly gained traction online. Rogan amplified it by sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “This is the first video about these drones that has got me genuinely concerned.”

Joe Rogan has revealed he is "genuinely concerned" about the recent drone sightings and theories. Credit: X (Screenshot)

Officials Push Back on Concerns

Despite growing public unease, government officials have moved to downplay the situation. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby suggested that many reported sightings were misidentifications of manned aircraft.

“Many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully,” Kirby said. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”

Similarly, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed the issue during a recent ABC News interview.

“Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones. And we do see duplicative reporting,” Mayorkas explained. He reassured the public that DHS personnel and technology are actively investigating the incidents, adding, “Right now, we are not aware of any [foreign or criminal involvement].”

Credit: X/DougSpac

Calls for Transparency Intensify

While federal officials urge calm, bipartisan political pressure is mounting for clearer answers. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called on federal agencies, including the FBI, DHS, and FAA, to increase efforts to identify the source of the drone activity using radar and other technologies.

Schumer, along with Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ), recently sent a letter demanding transparency about the actions being taken to address the sightings.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also weighed in, writing to President Joe Biden to request additional federal resources.

“The continued reporting of UAS [Unmanned Aircraft System] activity has raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories across social media and other platforms,” Murphy wrote. “I respectfully urge you to continue to direct the federal agencies involved to work together until they uncover answers as to what is behind the UAS sightings.”

Lingering Questions

For now, the origin and purpose of these drones remain unclear. Rogan’s concerns echo those of many residents in the tristate area, as speculation continues to clash with official reassurances.

The Department of Homeland Security has yet to comment on Ferguson’s theory, leaving both officials and the public searching for answers as drone sightings persist.

Featured Image Credit: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office