05 December 2024
Drones appear to have a mysterious interest in New Jersey.
But it's no joke, and now the FBI is watching.
While the Morris County Prosecutor's Office maintains there is no known threat to public safety, the public has been somewhat troubled about the constant drone sightings over the past weeks. As a result, the Newark office of the FBI, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, local sheriff and police departments, and emergency management offices in the region are on alert.
When Did the Drones First Appear?
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office announced that policemen spotted drones on November 18. As the drone sightings continued, the FBI issued a statement on December 3, acknowledging that drones have been seen in several areas along the 70-mile route of the Raritan River.
“We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks,” said the Newark office of the FBI.
FAA Flight Restrictions
After being approached by federal security partners, the FAA issued two temporary flight restrictions last month, banning drones over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
“We look into all reports of unauthorized drone operations and investigate when appropriate,” stated the FAA in a press release. “Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines up to $75,000. In addition, we can suspend or revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates.”
Medevac Drone Danger
To that end, drones near Raritan Valley Community College in New Jersey, prevented a medevac helicopter getting to a car crash victim on November 26.
The Campus Safety Department works with police, fire, and medical services allow medical (and other public service) helicopters to land. The North Branch Fire Department contacted the school at 6:40 p.m. on that date to notify them regarding the incoming helicopter. At 6:53, the landing was aborted due to the drone activity in the area.
Fortunately, the helicopter landing zone was relocated and the crash victim was taken to a local hospital,
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