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China, Iran or UFOs: Who is behind mystery drone sightings in US – Times of India

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China, Iran or UFOs: Who is behind mystery drone sightings in US – Times of India

For weeks, witnesses have reported seeing the blinking lights and whirling rotors of large unmanned aerial vehicles across New Jersey, often at tree height or slightly higher. (Picture credit: @BurnerforBets)

It began with a hum over the Raritan river, a fleeting light against the night sky, and an unsettling question: Who—or what—was piloting these machines?
Driving the news

  • Mysterious drones have been buzzing the skies of New Jersey, New York, and other eastern states, unsettling residents and sparking bipartisan calls for federal action.
  • The surge in drone sightings began in November, primarily in northern New Jersey, and quickly spread to New York City and other parts of the Northeast. Reports describe unidentified flying objects—sometimes with lights switched off—hovering near sensitive locations, including military facilities like the Picatinny Arsenal, and airports such as Stewart International.
  • Efforts to uncover the source have yet to yield answers, leaving federal officials scrambling to reassure the public. Alejandro Mayorkas, homeland security secretary, confirmed that “there’s no question that drones are being sighted.”
  • Lawmakers, led by Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, are urging the deployment of advanced drone-tracking technology to identify the sources of these mysterious flights, address public concerns, and close glaring gaps in US airspace security.
  • The sightings have also drawn the attention of social media users and conspiracy theorists. Facebook groups dedicated to the so-called “New Jersey Mystery Drones” have amassed tens of thousands of followers, many speculating wildly about foreign espionage, covert government programs, or even extraterrestrial origins.
Mystery drones of the East Coast

Why it matters
The drone sighting incidents highlights a major gap in the US ability to monitor and control its own airspace. Although new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules require drones to broadcast their location and operator details, the technology to effectively track and neutralize unauthorized drones remains underdeveloped.
Some drones have reportedly flown dangerously close to sensitive areas, including US military research facilities and commercial airports. This raises concerns about the potential for espionage, critical infrastructure sabotage, or accidents. Public unease has grown further due to vague and often contradictory statements from government agencies.
The big picture

  • Unclear origins: So far, despite investigations by Homeland Security and the FBI, the origin of the drones remains unknown. Some officials suggest many sightings may involve manned aircraft mistaken for drones, but others point to unusual flight patterns and large drone sizes, beyond what hobbyists typically use.
  • A widening phenomenon: While initial sightings were concentrated in New Jersey, reports have since emerged from New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Even high-profile locations like President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, NJ, have reportedly seen drone activity.
  • Technological gaps: Drone-tracking technology exists, but it is not yet widely deployed. A recently declassified radio-wave detector could identify drones and their operators by reading electronic signals and tracing them to their origins. Schumer has called for the immediate use of this technology in affected areas.

China, Iran or UFOs?
Some speculate the drones originated from an Iranian mothership. Others suggest they are Secret Service drones ensuring the security of President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster property. Concerns also swirl around potential involvement from China, the deep state, aliens, UFOs and beyond.
Amid the uncertainty, people have turned to a familiar outlet: creating a social media group.
The Facebook page New Jersey Mystery Drones — let’s solve it now boasts nearly 44,000 members, up from 39,000 late Thursday. Members share photos and videos of their sightings, leaving online commenters to analyze and theorize.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi expressed concerns about the increasing presence of Chinese-made drones in the US. Krishnamoorthi pointed out that even the US military purchases these drones “because they are cheap.” He warned that China might be able to access data from these drones “in a backdoor manner,” potentially using them to spy on Americans.
“The problem is, you are basically sacrificing our national security in the name of buying more inexpensive drones,” he said.

Theories behind the Mysterious drones

What they’re saying

  • Chuck Schumer: “It’s time for federal officials to step up and use the tools available to solve this mystery and reassure the public.”
  • Homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: “We are on it. If there is any reason for concern or foreign involvement, we will inform the public accordingly.”
  • Representative Jim Himes: “The answer ‘we don’t know’ is not a good enough answer… People will fill a vacuum with their fears and conspiracy theories.”
  • Residents: “How can you say it’s not posing a threat if you don’t know what it is?” asked New Jersey resident Trisha Bushey, who lives near a reservoir where drones have been frequently sighted.
  • “Whether or not it’s foreign military or some secret access program or something otherworldly, whatever it is, all I’m saying is it’s alarming that this is happening so suddenly and so consistently for hours at a time,” asked Seph Divine, a member of the drone hunting group who lives in Eugene Oregon.
  • “We’ve been told, again, by our federal partners, it does not pose any kind of national security or personal security risk. But you know, as the old saying goes, trust but verify,” said Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro.

Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. 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!!!

US President-elect Donald Trump

A bipartisan call to action
The drones have united lawmakers across party lines in calling for better regulatory tools and a more proactive approach. Some lawmakers advocate for expanding state and local authority to track and disable drones.
A proposed Senate bill would allow law enforcement agencies to seize or disable drones without prior operator consent. It would also increase funding for advanced detection systems.
Homeland Security already has limited authority to “incapacitate” drones but requires expanded powers to tackle incidents like these more effectively, according to Mayorkas.
New York governor Kathy Hochul welcomed federal assistance but stressed the need for long-term solutions. “We need more than temporary measures,” Hochul said. “Congress must act to give us the tools we need to protect our airspace.”
Between the lines

  • The rapid proliferation of drones, coupled with their decreasing costs, has outpaced federal regulations. Small quadcopters with Wi-Fi capabilities are now available for as little as $40. While most drone users comply with FAA regulations, a growing number of rogue operators have demonstrated how easily these devices can evade detection and disrupt sensitive areas.
  • Moreover, the lack of public trust in government institutions adds to the problem. Social media groups have amplified conspiracy theories, reflecting broader concerns about transparency and accountability in how authorities handle such incidents.
  • William Austin, president of Warren County Community College, which offers a drone technology degree program, suggested public education could help. He encouraged the use of flight-tracking apps to distinguish legitimate aircraft from drones, but admitted that confusion often arises from poor communication by officials. “We’ve lost trust in our institutions, and we need it back,” Austin said.

What’s next

  • Deployment of detection systems: Federal officials have announced the deployment of a drone detection system to New York, though details about its capabilities and coverage remain unclear.
  • Enhanced legislative efforts: Lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive overhaul of drone regulations, focusing on real-time tracking, enforcement powers, and public safety measures.
  • Addressing public concerns: Transparency will be critical to restoring trust. Homeland Security and the FAA have been urged to hold regular public briefings to address anxieties and counter misinformation.
  • Meanwhile, sightings continue to pour in. Reports from Massachusetts, Virginia, and even as far south as Maryland suggest the phenomenon is spreading. In Harwich, MA, a resident observed 10 to 15 bright drones hovering over her home for over an hour. Similarly, in Virginia Beach, witnesses described a large, silent object flying over military installations.
  • While federal agencies maintain that these sightings pose no imminent threat, experts warn against complacency.
  • Residents, lawmakers, and experts agree: it’s time to clear the skies—and the confusion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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