New Jersey homeowners vow to take action if the government fails to address drone issue

Frustrated New Jersey residents are threatening to take action on their own if the government doesn't provide answers about the dozens of potential drone sightings in their skies.

On Sunday, a video was posted on Facebook by James Ward, a Jersey Shore Realtor, depicting "SUV-size drones" above Island Beach State Park. However, it is challenging to determine their size from the clip, which features multiple lights floating in the sky.

"What do you think about dozens of SUV-size drones flying over the ocean and heading in different directions?"

"A good shotgun will fix that problem," one commenter replied.

"What if we could find the operator by examining the serial number?"

Another person responded with "Semi-auto 3-inch magnum 00 buck full choke!"

It is generally illegal to shoot down a drone flying over a property, as the Federal Aviation Administration stated in 2016 that doing so is a violation of the same federal law that prohibits the sabotage of any other aircraft.

The operation of an aircraft, whether manned or not, is subject to FAA regulations that prohibit unsafe or unauthorized use.

After Gov. Phil Murphy and two Republican congressmen urged the federal government to take down unidentified drones in the area, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have been pushing investigators and regulators for answers for weeks.

Despite the unknown origin of the drones, it is unclear if all flying objects are drones or manned aircraft. Experts suggest that the presence of navigation lights indicates that the pilots are not attempting to conceal their identity.

John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Adviser, stated on Thursday that after examining the available imagery, it seems that many of the reported sightings are manned aircraft being operated legally.

Numerous reported sightings include objects that witnesses claim are larger than typical retail drones, such as those seen above Island Beach State Park.

The Army spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Picatinny Arsenal had obtained a temporary flight restriction for its airspace until December 26 due to the numerous reported drone sightings in the vicinity.

The FAA is probing the reported sightings and has imposed a temporary flight ban in the vicinity of the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.

"We investigate all reports of unauthorized drone operations and take appropriate action when necessary," a spokesperson told Planet Chronicle Digital. "Unsafe drone operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could result in fines of up to $75,000. Furthermore, we have the power to suspend or revoke drone operators' pilot certificates."

"James McDanolds, the program chair at the School of Uncrewed Technology at Sonoran Desert Institute, stated that shooting down an aircraft is a violation. He explained that many individuals in the past have taken matters into their own hands and shot down drones, often in a small area, even with small drones, and have faced penalties and imprisonment as a result."

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Since mid-November, residents and state officials have been seeking answers for weeks about the sightings that have been appearing.

Sen. Joe Pennacchio, a Republican, wrote a letter to President-elect Trump requesting that the incoming administration prioritize an investigation into the matter.

"Federal security agencies have not provided answers to local, county, and state law enforcement officials regarding the safety of citizens in our state, despite their initial sightings almost a month ago. Without these answers, the citizens are left in the dark about their safety."

On Thursday, Mike Johnson, the House Speaker in Washington, stated that he anticipated receiving a confidential update on the drone enigma.

FBI leaders had few answers at a public hearing earlier this week.

According to FBI Assistant Director of the Critical Incident Response Group Robert Wheeler, there is no evidence to suggest that Americans are at risk, but the lack of knowledge is concerning.

Earlier this week, a hearing involving the FBI and other law enforcement left state lawmakers dissatisfied, prompting state Rep. Brian Bergen to storm out of the meeting and declare it a "biggest waste of five hours in my life," according to NewsNation.

"They are unaware of the origin, perpetrator, or motive behind the drones. However, they claim there is no imminent danger. It was frustrating to be present."

On Sunday, 49 drone sightings were reported, primarily in Hunterdon County, as per Gov. Murphy.

On Wednesday in Southern California, federal authorities apprehended a Chinese national who is alleged to have utilized a hacked drone to capture images of the Vandenberg Space Force Base from an altitude of one mile.

"According to United States Attorney Martin Estrada, this defendant is accused of flying a drone over a military base and capturing photos of its layout, which is illegal. The safety of our nation's military personnel and facilities is of utmost importance, and my office will continue to prioritize their security."

On Monday, Yinpiao Zhou, 39, was arrested following the detection of an intrusion by drone-detecting equipment, over a week prior. Despite this, there is no known link between this incident and the New Jersey sightings, leaving locals yearning for clarification.

Planet Chronicle' Morgan Phillips contributed to this report.