Unusual drone sightings reported in New York, New Jersey leaders address DHS.
Recent sightings of drones in Morris and Somerset counties.
Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey discussed unusual drone activity in certain areas, including near President-elect Trump's golf club in Bedminster, with state and federal officials. However, he emphasized that there was no danger to the public's safety.
On Thursday, Murphy announced that he held a meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, senior officials from DHS, state police, state Homeland Security and Preparedness, and New Jersey's congressional delegation.
"He wrote that they are closely coordinating with federal and law enforcement partners and actively monitoring the situation, but there is no known threat to the public at this time."
In Somerset and Morris counties, drones have been sighted in recent weeks. A Morris County resident, Mike Walsh, captured drones flying over Black River Middle School in Chester on a video from Nov. 25. The Trump National Golf Club, located in Bedminster, is situated in Somerset County.
Unusual drone sightings were reported in Bernardsville, Mendham, and Parsippany, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue two temporary flight restrictions on Nov. 18.
The airspace above the Trump property is restricted until the end of this week.
The FAA published two temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) at the request of federal security partners, prohibiting drone flights over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, the agency stated.
On Wednesday, Rep. Tom Kean, R-N.J., participated in a call with Murphy, Mayorkas, and other government and law enforcement officials.
He wrote on X that he would continue to urge federal authorities to act quickly and provide the public with a complete understanding of the situation, working towards a resolution.
Some drones flew over the home of New Jersey state Sen. Anthony Bucco, a Republican.
""Our law enforcement community, including the FBI, is gathering information on the drones and will provide updates to the public as soon as they become available," he said."
Rep. Rebecca Sherrill, D-N.J., stated that she would maintain contact with the investigation and provide updates as they become available.
Staten Island President Vito Fossella has requested the FBI to broaden its investigation into drone sightings to encompass the airspace above his New York City borough. In a letter to the law enforcement agency, Fossella stated that in one case, drone flights hindered a medevac helicopter from transporting a seriously injured crash victim in Branchburg Township, New Jersey, to the hospital.
"What else could these drones be affecting, given that Staten Island has two hospital systems and the potential for drones to hinder life-saving care in medical emergencies is deeply concerning? Fossella stated."
Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to the FBI.
Planet Chronicle Digital's Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.
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