FBI Baffled by Mystery Drones Over New Jersey, Congress Demands Answers

Federal investigators remain stumped by a series of mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, with senior FBI officials admitting to Congress this week that they have no explanation for the growing number of incidents. The sightings have occurred near critical locations, including the Picatinny Arsenal military research center and President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf club, raising serious concerns about security and public safety.

During a House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing, Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) pressed FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler Jr. about the agency's inability to identify the drones or their operators.

• Wheeler confirmed the FBI is “actively investigating” the drones and their proximity to sensitive sites but admitted there is “nothing that is known” to attribute the activity to an individual or group.

• Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) voiced his frustration: “You’re telling me we don’t know what the hell these drones are in New Jersey. That’s madness.”

Other lawmakers raised concerns about incidents at additional sensitive locations. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) recounted reports of a Coast Guard vessel being trailed by 12 to 30 drones, while Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) highlighted sightings near Staten Island and Brooklyn, home to a power plant, Coast Guard base, and military facilities.

The incidents are not isolated. Lawmakers noted a similar episode last year involving unidentified drones near Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Despite these repeated occurrences, action to mitigate potential threats has been lacking.

• Wheeler acknowledged the Department of Defense has the authority to neutralize unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over sensitive sites when authorized but noted that this authority has not been exercised in these cases.

• Rep. Smith demanded more aggressive action, asking why drones over water are not shot down to prevent possible threats.

Wheeler admitted that while investigators do not currently see a direct threat, the lack of information about the drones’ origins and intent leaves the possibility open. “That’s the concerning part,” Wheeler said, adding that the unexplained sightings could pose significant risks.

The mystery of the New Jersey drones underscores a troubling gap in U.S. airspace security, especially near critical infrastructure. With Congress demanding answers and public unease growing, the Biden administration and federal agencies must act swiftly to address this emerging threat before it becomes a national security crisis.

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