In a recent development, President-elect Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of his planned trip to Bedminster, New Jersey, due to the escalating concerns surrounding drone sightings in the region.
The drones, some of which are reportedly as large as small cars, have been spotted in several areas along the Raritan River since November 18, leading to investigations by both the FBI and local law enforcement.
According to Newsweek, these unmanned aerial vehicles have been observed operating in close proximity to military installations and critical infrastructure, including Picatinny Arsenal and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Notably, these drones have also been sighted near Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, prompting Trump's decision to cancel his visit. "They're very close to Bedminster," Trump stated at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. "I think I won't spend the weekend in Bedminster. I decided to cancel my trip."
Former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican who served in the 1990s, expressed her dissatisfaction with the government's response to the situation. Speaking to MSNBC, Whitman said, "I don't think we have to worry, but what's frustrating is to have the government say well, there's no problem. We don't know what it is, but it's no problem. That's not a satisfying answer. We need better from the government."
In response to the drone sightings, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed temporary flight restrictions over the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster on November 18. However, Trump refrained from commenting on whether he has received an intelligence briefing on the drones. He did, however, imply that the government is aware of the drones' origins. "For some reason they don't want to comment," Trump said. "I think they'd be better off saying our Department of Affairs or our President knows and for some reason they want to keep people in suspense."
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas suggested during a media conference that a rule change by the FAA in September 2023 "may be one of the reasons" for the reports of drone sightings at night in the northeast of the country. In response to these concerns, a state-of-the-art "drone detection system" is being deployed to New York State, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.
The FBI has acknowledged the reported sightings of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, flying in multiple locations over the past several weeks. The agency remains engaged with federal, state, local, and tribal partners to share information and protect the public. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has also called for clear answers from the federal government, stating, "The public deserves clear answers we will keep pushing the federal government for more information and resources."
Republican New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew, speaking on Fox News, suggested that Iran might be involved, stating, "From very high sources, very qualified sources, very responsible sources, I'm going to tell you the real deal. Iran launched a mothership probably a month ago that contains these drones."
Senior administration officials from the National Security Council have confirmed that visual observation teams are deployed at various locations throughout New Jersey. They assured that "there's no doubt many" of the unmanned aircrafts are "owned and operated here within the state," and that there is no threat at this time.
While the drone sightings continue to stir intrigue and concern, it is clear that the government's response and the ongoing investigations will play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and maintaining trust in the authorities' ability to manage such situations. As the situation unfolds, the public and officials alike will be watching closely for further developments.
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