In brief: For weeks, residents in New Jersey and New York have called on authorities to investigate an increasing number of mysterious sightings near critical US infrastructure. While government officials currently believe there is no immediate threat to public safety, the FAA has imposed several months-long restrictions on drone flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration has implemented a temporary ban on drone flights over portions of New Jersey, warning that the US government reserves the right to use deadly force against "airborne aircraft" if deemed necessary for security purposes.
The restrictions cover 22 infrastructure sites across New Jersey and will remain in effect until January 17, 2025. Under these temporary flight restrictions, individuals flying drones in restricted areas without proper authorization risk detention by law enforcement. Exemptions are granted only for activities related to firefighting, national defense, or approved commercial operations with a "valid statement of work."
Similarly, the FAA has imposed 29 TFRs in New York State, which will last until January 18, 2025. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the move as "purely precautionary," emphasizing that authorities currently have no evidence suggesting the drones pose a significant threat to national security. However, she advocated for legislative measures to help law enforcement better address this "evolving technology."
Bans have a radius of one nautical mile and cover flight from the surface up to and including 400 feet above ground level.
For weeks, Americans have been reporting sightings of unidentified flying objects resembling car-sized drones near coastlines, military bases, power plants, and other critical US infrastructure. In New Jersey, concerned residents have voiced their fears to local authorities, sparking widespread media coverage and thousands of additional reports of drone sightings.
The FBI has received over 5,000 such reports, which have generated approximately 100 leads. However, officials maintain there is little cause for alarm, as most reviewed sightings have been identified as commercial drones operated by hobbyists or law enforcement, as well as fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters mistakenly perceived as drones.
Authorities are reminding the public that shooting down drones is illegal and could result in severe civil penalties or even criminal charges. Similarly, pointing lasers at aircraft mistaken for drones is both dangerous and unlawful, posing risks to passengers and carrying fines of up to $11,000 per violation.
