Multiple drone sightings across northern New Jersey have sparked investigations by local and federal authorities.
According to Fox News, authorities have implemented temporary flight restrictions over President-elect Trump's Bedminster golf club and other strategic locations following recurring reports of unusual drone activity while emphasizing there is no known threat to public safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration first received reports of drone activity within Morris County on November 18, approximately two miles north of Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. Multiple videos have documented drone sightings in Somerset and Morris counties over the past few weeks, including incidents on December 1 and December 3. A Morris County resident, Mike Walsh, captured footage of drones flying over Black River Middle School in Chester on November 25.
Morris and Somerset County law enforcement agencies released a coordinated statement addressing public concerns about the repeated drone sightings. They are working closely with the FBI-Newark office, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to investigate the situation. The agencies have established a reporting system for residents to document any drone-related incidents.
Warren County officials have also joined the investigation, with acting County Prosecutor Jessica Cardone collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to monitor drone activity. They are particularly interested in reports involving critical infrastructure within their jurisdiction. The multi-agency approach demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating these incidents.
Local residents have reported multiple sightings, including an account from a Parsippany woman who observed up to five drones overhead on Sunday night. The sightings have occurred in various locations, including Mendham and Parsippany, near the intersection of I-80 and I-287.
The FAA has responded to the situation by issuing two significant flight restrictions at the request of federal security partners. As stated by Morris and Somerset County law enforcement:
There continues to be no known threat to public safety. County and local law enforcement agencies are aware of the recurring reports of drone activity around Morris and Somerset counties, and acknowledge the public's concern about these repeated sightings.
The first restriction covers airspace above Trump Bedminster near Solberg-Hunterdon County Airport. The second ban affects the area over Picatinny Arsenal, a major U.S. Army research and development facility in Dover, New Jersey. The restrictions will remain in effect over Trump Bedminster through the end of this week, while the Picatinny Arsenal restrictions extend until December 26.
The timing of these drone incidents coincides with similar reports from British-American joint bases in the United Kingdom. These bases, including RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Fairford, and RAF Feltwell, have experienced what officials describe as "swarms of small drones" near facilities housing F-15 and F-35 fighter jets.
The FAA has emphasized its commitment to safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System. Drone pilots who violate regulations face severe consequences, including potential certification revocation and fines of up to $75,000. The agency investigates all reports of unauthorized drone operations that could endanger aircraft or people.
The British military has deployed personnel to protect their bases, and a Pentagon spokesman confirmed on November 26 that none of the incursions had affected base buildings, personnel, or assets. These parallel incidents have heightened attention to drone activity near sensitive locations.
Multiple law enforcement agencies across northern New Jersey are actively investigating the series of drone sightings near Trump National Golf Club Bedminster and surrounding areas. The incidents, first reported on November 18, have prompted the FAA to implement temporary flight restrictions over key locations, including Trump Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal.
While authorities maintain there is no immediate threat to public safety, the coordinated response from local, state, and federal agencies highlights the seriousness of unauthorized drone activity near sensitive locations. The investigation continues as President-elect Trump proceeds with forming his incoming administration, with law enforcement agencies urging public vigilance and reporting of any suspicious drone activity.
