Security Expert Shares Startling Theory About Mysterious Drones in New Jersey

Mysterious Drone Sightings Across New Jersey Spark Speculation

Since mid-November, residents of New Jersey have reported numerous sightings of mysterious drones flying across several counties. The sightings initially began near the Raritan River, about 50 miles west of New York City, and quickly spread statewide, with drones appearing near sensitive locations like Picatinny Arsenal, a military research facility, and even near President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, as reported by BBC.

Watch a drone sighting below:

Last night I went out with local police to spot drone flying over New Jersey, here’s what I saw. We drove to Round Valley Reservoir and the officer pointed to lights moving low over the tree line. Sometimes they were solid white light, others flashed of red and green.THREAD pic.twitter.com/ly7kUUDWDn

— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) December 13, 2024

The constant drone activity has led many to speculate that the U.S. government or military might be conducting covert testing of new technologies.

Witnesses have reported seeing drones across a dozen counties in the state since mid-November. Credit: Richard Newstead / Getty

A Possible Government Program Behind the Drones

Clint Emerson, a retired Navy SEAL and owner of the security firm Escape the Wolf, has provided a chilling theory. According to Emerson, the drones could be part of a “Special Access Program,” a classified government initiative meant to keep even top-clearance personnel unaware of its existence. He explained, “That’s why the government’s like, ‘We don’t know.’ They’re being truthful.”

Emerson believes that the technology onboard the drones could hold key insights into their purpose. He speculated that the drones might carry high-tech equipment like thermal or infrared cameras for surveillance, or even devices capable of collecting data from nearby cell phones.

“How much data can we collect with this?” Emerson asked. “Let’s say we got 10 drones, they fly in a grid, how much cellphone traffic can we pick up? Not actual conversations, but just the signature of millions of cellphones. What can 10 drones pick up going over an area?”

Watched the NJ drones fly around the Hudson River, near the Freedom tower, and over the W hotel in Hoboken last night. They were circling for a good 20-30 minutes. Crazy they can fly so close to our most valuable assets with full impunity. pic.twitter.com/PKhl7Ip6ki

— Cryptodamus.eth (@Cryptodamus44) December 14, 2024

Given that New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S., Emerson suggests it could be the perfect location for testing such data-collection capabilities.

Other Experts Agree on the Need for Oversight

Other security experts, like Kelly McCann, a former Marine and security expert who worked for the Office of Naval Research, have echoed Emerson’s theory. McCann expressed concern over the lack of transparency, saying, “It’s weird how we’re supposed to have control of the skies – but this is going on and no one is saying s**t? I don’t buy it.”

McCann questioned why the authorities hadn’t intervened more decisively, considering the advanced technology that exists to counter such drone activity.

Political Figures Weigh In

The mystery has also caught the attention of political figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, who publicly called for the drones to be shot down. “Mystery drone sightings all over the country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, per The Independent. “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!”

👀 Trump addresses the drone sightings pic.twitter.com/nmgS22WXSc

— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) December 13, 2024

GOP Representative Chris Smith also voiced his concerns, stating that the public “deserves swift and bold action” from the government to investigate the matter.

Governor of New Jersey Responds

Despite the growing speculation, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy assured the public that, based on reports from Homeland Security, the FBI, and other authorities, there is currently no threat to public safety.

Murphy explained, “We see no evidence of concern for public safety, but we’re frustrated by the lack of answers regarding where these drones are coming from and why they’re flying here.”

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy revealed that there seems to be no threat. Credit: D3_plus D.Naruse @ Japan / Getty

Federal Efforts to Address the Situation

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed the issue, assuring the public that the federal government is actively working on it. “We want to assure the American public that we are on it,”

Mayorkas stated, emphasizing the need for Congress to grant local and state authorities more power to respond to drone activity.

Mayorkas continued, “It is critical that we need additional authorities to address the drone situation.”

Featured Image Credit: D3_plus D.Naruse @ Japan / Getty