You’ve likely heard about the SUV-sized drones flying over New Jersey, Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and even Northern Virginia.
In New Jersey, these drone sightings are near Quantico, close to a U.S. military base—similar to the ones seen in Northern Virginia. Interestingly, the New Jersey area where these drones have appeared is also near one of Donald Trump’s golf courses, though that connection might not mean much.
Back in October, before the election, there were reports of unauthorized drones entering restricted airspace over Norfolk and Hampton. These areas include Naval Station Norfolk and Langley Air Force Base, both critical military sites.
The recent Virginia sightings have been reported in Stafford County, King George County, and Spotsylvania County. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office even addressed the situation publicly.
“The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with federal law enforcement agencies regarding the drones, and they are aware of the recent activity,” the office shared on its Facebook page.
The Biden administration’s official response dismissed any significant concerns about the drones.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus,” said John Kirby, senior national security communications advisor to President Biden.
However, skepticism is widespread, with many—including U.S. senators—calling the denials unconvincing.
“These drones have been observed maneuvering near critical infrastructure and sensitive locations, including reservoirs and military installations,” wrote Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) in a joint letter to the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and FAA.
“The potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas are especially concerning given recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites within and outside the continental United States over the past year. Addressing this issue will require a comprehensive response from Congress and the executive branch,” the senators added.
Rich McHugh, a NewsNation reporter based in New Jersey, admitted he was initially skeptical. But after witnessing the drones firsthand, his perspective changed.
“If this is not our military, then it’s even more scary,” McHugh said during an interview with anchor Elizabeth Vargas. “These things look like they are fixed-wing and have multiple lights. I’m not really sure how to process what I saw last night. Both the photographer and I were kind of stunned.”
Troubling, to say the least.