The Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that recent drone sightings within the county and other parts of New Jersey are under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The unusual drone activity has sparked enough concern for Hunterdon County Commissioner John Lanza to seek a public briefing.
Lanza, the liaison to the Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Safety, emphasized that some reports describe drones hovering over residential areas for extended periods. Meanwhile, other accounts mention drones flying in clusters, sometimes as large as eight.
Sightings of drones near President-elect Donald J. Trump’s Bedminster golf club, located just east of Hunterdon County, are especially concerning. In response to the drone incursions, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it was implementing temporary flight restrictions in several parts of the state.
“At the request of federal security partners, the FAA published two temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster,” the agency said.
“Drones are considered aircraft, and their operation is subject to strict regulations by the FAA,” Lanza noted, pointing to the potential regulatory implications. The sheriff’s office reiterated the importance of recognizing unauthorized drone use as a significant threat to public safety, privacy, and national security.
Residents are advised against interacting directly with any drones that might have experienced mechanical issues. Instead, authorities should be promptly notified to handle the situation.