Mysterious drones in New Jersey have disrupted a critical medevac mission, prompting an FBI investigation and raising concerns about public safety.
At a Glance
- Drones prevented a medevac helicopter from rescuing an injured person in Somerset County, NJ
- The FBI is investigating the presence of these larger-than-usual drones
- Drone sightings have been reported across multiple counties since November 18
- The FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions over affected areas
- Authorities state there is no known immediate threat to public safety
Medevac Mission Disrupted
In a concerning turn of events, mysterious drone activity in New Jersey has interfered with critical emergency services. On November 26, a medevac helicopter was prevented from rescuing an injured person in Somerset County due to the presence of unidentified drones in the area. The incident has sparked an FBI investigation and raised alarms about the potential risks posed by unauthorized drone operations.
“A fire department captain reportedly aborted the airlift on account of drone activity that still hasn’t been explained,” NJ.Com reported.
The condition of the injured person and their subsequent transport to a hospital remains unknown, leaving questions about the impact of this drone interference on patient care.
Widespread Drone Sightings
The incident in Somerset County is not isolated. Since November 18, there have been numerous reports of drone sightings across New Jersey. These mysterious aircraft have been spotted in Morris, Somerset, Warren, and Sussex counties, flying both individually and in groups. The drones have caught the attention of local residents and law enforcement alike, with many describing them as larger than typical hobbyist drones.
In response to the growing concern, Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement to reassure the public. “We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter,” Governor Murphy said. He added, “There is no known threat to the public at this time.”
FBI Investigation and Public Assistance
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead in investigating these mysterious drone sightings. The agency is seeking public assistance to solve the mystery, particularly requesting high-resolution photos of the drones from witnesses. This collaborative approach highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have many answers, and we don’t want to guess or hypothesize about what’s going on,” FBI spokeswoman Amy J. Thoreson said Wednesday. “We are doing all we can to figure it out.”
The FBI has reported drones flying along the 70-mile Raritan River, with sightings dating back several weeks. This pattern of activity has raised questions about the purpose and operators of these unidentified aircraft.
FAA Response and Legal Implications
In response to the ongoing situation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued temporary flight restrictions over Morris and Somerset counties. These restrictions aim to maintain airspace safety and facilitate the investigation. Additionally, the FAA has temporarily banned drone activity over former President Trump’s property in Bedminster during the investigation, given its proximity to some of the sightings.
It’s important to note that while flying drones at night is legal under certain conditions, operators can face severe penalties for endangering aircraft or people. Federal officials warn that drone operators endangering human safety could face fines up to $75,000 and loss of pilot certificates. This serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with drone operation.
Theories and Speculations
As the investigation continues, theories about the drones’ origins and purposes abound. Some speculate about criminal activity, while others suggest possible military operations. However, experts caution against jumping to conclusions.
“It would be extremely careless on the part of people who are working for foreign powers to just expose themselves like that,” said Pramod Abichandani, who teaches a “Drone Science Fundamentals” class at NJIT. “It takes an incredible amount of competence to do something nefarious with drones.”
