Mysterious Drones: Demanding Transparency from the Government
Since November, residents across Bridgewater and surrounding areas have reported frequent drone sightings. These drones are often described as unusually large—some as big as cars or buses.
Despite mounting pressure from both Republican and Democratic leaders, the Biden administration remained silent for weeks, until December 12, when John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, issued a statement claiming federal, state, and local authorities could not corroborate any sightings. This contradicted a closed-door briefing to New Jersey legislators, where Department of Homeland Security officials reported that these drones operated in swarms, had extraordinary battery life, were invisible to infrared cameras, and undetectable by radar. Days later, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged, “there’s no question that drones are being sighted.”
From the beginning, residents have been assured by the Biden and Murphy administrations that there is no public threat, yet no details have been provided. These sightings have been confirmed by politicians, media, law enforcement, and countless ordinary citizens—including myself. As a licensed private pilot trained to distinguish aircraft, I have personally seen drones on two separate occasions. These were not airplanes.
In response to growing concerns, yesterday, the FAA imposed temporary flight restrictions for drones over 22 areas in New Jersey, after weeks of denials from the Biden administration about the drones’ existence or any potential threat. Yet no explanation has been given for this abrupt policy shift.
The lack of transparency from federal and state leaders is unacceptable. While I commend State Senator Doug Steinhardt, Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, and Assemblyman Erik Peterson for demanding answers, Governor Murphy’s response has been inadequate. Despite access to State Police and National Guard resources, his administration initially echoed federal empty reassurances and failed to take decisive action. After weeks of inaction and no information, the governor’s response this past Monday was to tell New Jerseyans to “calm down.” With all due respect, Governor, that response falls far short of what we deserve.
A month has passed, and we are no closer to understanding what’s happening. The most plausible explanation is that these drones belong to a U.S. agency conducting a classified operation. If so, the government owes the public an honest explanation—at least enough to assure citizens without fostering fear or distrust. The alternative—that these drones are foreign, private, or completely unknown—raises serious national security concerns.
Without clear communication, speculation runs rampant. Are these drones foreign surveillance devices? Defense contractor tests? Searches for UAPs, radiation, or other threats? The absence of transparency only fuels anxiety.
Today, Bridgewater Township is passing a resolution demanding accountability from state and federal leaders. It’s time to stop dismissing the public’s concerns. Our government must step up, provide answers, and rebuild trust. The media must continue to press for the truth, and residents should take action—contact Governor Murphy, President Biden, and Congressional representatives to demand transparency and accountability. We deserve to know the truth.
Despite mounting pressure from both Republican and Democratic leaders, the Biden administration remained silent for weeks, until December 12, when John Kirby, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, issued a statement claiming federal, state, and local authorities could not corroborate any sightings. This contradicted a closed-door briefing to New Jersey legislators, where Department of Homeland Security officials reported that these drones operated in swarms, had extraordinary battery life, were invisible to infrared cameras, and undetectable by radar. Days later, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged, “there’s no question that drones are being sighted.”
From the beginning, residents have been assured by the Biden and Murphy administrations that there is no public threat, yet no details have been provided. These sightings have been confirmed by politicians, media, law enforcement, and countless ordinary citizens—including myself. As a licensed private pilot trained to distinguish aircraft, I have personally seen drones on two separate occasions. These were not airplanes.
In response to growing concerns, yesterday, the FAA imposed temporary flight restrictions for drones over 22 areas in New Jersey, after weeks of denials from the Biden administration about the drones’ existence or any potential threat. Yet no explanation has been given for this abrupt policy shift.
The lack of transparency from federal and state leaders is unacceptable. While I commend State Senator Doug Steinhardt, Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, and Assemblyman Erik Peterson for demanding answers, Governor Murphy’s response has been inadequate. Despite access to State Police and National Guard resources, his administration initially echoed federal empty reassurances and failed to take decisive action. After weeks of inaction and no information, the governor’s response this past Monday was to tell New Jerseyans to “calm down.” With all due respect, Governor, that response falls far short of what we deserve.
A month has passed, and we are no closer to understanding what’s happening. The most plausible explanation is that these drones belong to a U.S. agency conducting a classified operation. If so, the government owes the public an honest explanation—at least enough to assure citizens without fostering fear or distrust. The alternative—that these drones are foreign, private, or completely unknown—raises serious national security concerns.
Without clear communication, speculation runs rampant. Are these drones foreign surveillance devices? Defense contractor tests? Searches for UAPs, radiation, or other threats? The absence of transparency only fuels anxiety.
Today, Bridgewater Township is passing a resolution demanding accountability from state and federal leaders. It’s time to stop dismissing the public’s concerns. Our government must step up, provide answers, and rebuild trust. The media must continue to press for the truth, and residents should take action—contact Governor Murphy, President Biden, and Congressional representatives to demand transparency and accountability. We deserve to know the truth.
