Could Drones Over New Jersey Be a Case of Mass Hysteria?

It’s far from certain, and there are a few cases that appear to be legitimate drone sightings, but a large number also appear to be civilian aircraft or other mistakes. At least some, thought perhaps not all reports are a case of panic.

If you have not been living under a rock, you are probably aware that people around New Jersey, and now elsewhere are up in arms over reported sightings of drones. Drone sightings are not at all unusual in the year 2024, but these include reports of drones over sensitive military facilities and critical infrastructure, such as reservoirs and power plants. These reports started coming in around November 13th and have gotten more and more extreme as time has gone on.

At present, a number of elected officials, such as mayors, the governor and police chiefs have voices concern. A great deal of drama is now under way, while officials are demanding answers from the FBI, military or others. Many are calling for the drones to be shot down.

The problem is we still don’t actually have any answers as to what is happening and the reports are fragmented and inconsistent. With time, confusion has only increased and primary evidence of documentation has been lacking.

Now similar reports are being made across the Northeast. At first it was claimed that the drones were “spreading to New York.” Now they claim to have been seen across the Northeast and the US in general.

Here is what seems to have been reported:

  • It has been reported that the drones are only out at night, reportedly appearing at dusk and not being seen during the day.
  • Many of the drones have lights on them, in some cases the lights are strobes or other standard hazard and navigational lights.
  • There have been reports of bright lights and drones that are highly visible and not trying to be stealthy.
  • The drones have been reported over restricted areas, such as Trump-owned property, military installations and airports.
  • Air traffic, including a medical helicopter have had to be diverted due to concerns over drone collisions.
  • Their origin, flight paths and landing locations remains elusive.
  • There are unconfirmed reports of drones switching off lights or otherwise trying to hide when pursued.
  • Many have claimed that the drones are enormous in size, frequently described as the size of an SUV or larger.
  • Reports imply the same drones remain in the sky for hours and travel great distances.

It should be noted that such large and capable drones do exist and are available for purchase. The reports of drones “The size of an SUV” or “8 feet in diameter,” if true, do imply that these are not consumer drones, but rather larger, higher capacity drones. Such drones do exist and are used in agriculture, surveying and other professional pursuits. It’s also possible that a large experimental drone could be constructed by hobbyists, as parts and supplies to build large drones do exist.

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