As reports of unusual drone sightings in New Jersey refuse to wane, the FBI’s Newark office has issued a stern warning to the public: avoid pointing lasers at aircraft or using firearms against suspected drones. These actions, the agency emphasized, could lead to severe consequences, including endangering lives and breaking federal laws.
The urgency of this warning was underscored recently when a military pilot flying over New Jersey was injured by a laser pointed from the ground. Officials assure that the pilot was given medical care after landing, but the incident highlights the growing risk posed by reckless responses to aerial objects perceived as unmanned drones.
Misidentification could be deadly
FBI Newark and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) stress in a joint statement: “FBI Newark, NJSP, and dozens of other agencies and law enforcement partners have been out every night for several weeks to legally track down operators acting illegally or with nefarious intent, and using every available tool and piece of equipment to find the answers the public is seeking. However, there could be dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as drones.”
The agencies warned that what might appear to be a drone could actually be a manned aircraft, a low-orbit satellite, or even a celestial body like a planet or star.
The misidentification of aerial objects is at the heart of the growing public frenzy. Many New Jersey residents have reported sightings of drones, some describing them as unusually large and hovering near sensitive areas like military installations and critical infrastructure. However, federal authorities have determined that many of these sightings are either lawful commercial operations or simply cases of mistaken identity.
A surge in laser incidents
The FBI’s plea for caution comes as New Jersey sees a spike in laser incidents involving manned aircraft. In the past few weeks alone, numerous pilots have reported being hit by lasers, endangering their safety and that of the passengers onboard. Authorities confirmed that these incidents often stem from individuals mistaking manned aircraft for drones.
The laser incident involving the military pilot has added urgency to the FBI’s warning. While the pilot is expected to recover, the event has reignited concerns about how the public is reacting to the ongoing drone mystery.
Frustrated by the lack of clarity and slow-moving investigations, some New Jersey residents have expressed intentions to take matters into their own hands. Social media is rife with comments from individuals suggesting they might shoot down suspected drones.
The FBI strongly discourages such actions, citing the dangers of discharging firearms into the sky. “Shooting at aircraft, whether manned or unmanned, is illegal and endangers everyone in the community,” the agency stresses. Beyond the immediate safety risks, these actions carry severe legal penalties, including federal charges. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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Intensified efforts to solve NJ drone mystery
For weeks, FBI Newark, the New Jersey State Police, and dozens of other law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to investigate the reports. They have deployed advanced tracking tools and equipment to determine whether the drones are being operated illegally or with malicious intent.
Despite these efforts, the origins and purpose of many drone sightings remain unknown. Out of over 5,000 reported sightings in recent weeks, only a fraction have warranted deeper investigation.
To prevent further public misidentifications, officials recommend using resources such as mobile apps and websites that track flight paths for manned aircraft, satellites, and visible celestial bodies. These tools can help individuals verify whether what they see in the sky is a drone or something else entirely.
Adding to the mystery are sightings near sensitive locations, including military installations like Picatinny Arsenal. Some residents have speculated that these drones might be part of secretive government operations or even foreign surveillance. However, no evidence has substantiated these claims.
More: Two arrested after dangerous drone flight near Logan International
High-profile figures, including lawmakers like Sen. Cory Booker, have called for greater transparency. Gov. Phil Murphy has also pressed for federal assistance in addressing the issue.
While federal agencies, including the FAA and DHS, have joined the investigation, officials have emphasized that the public must remain patient. They have also reiterated that there is no current evidence suggesting these drones pose a national security risk.
As federal and state agencies work to unravel the mystery, the message to New Jersey residents is clear: exercise caution, follow the law, and let the professionals handle the skies.
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