HEAT ALERT

Extreme Heat Warning in effect though Saturday

News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting
FIFA World Cup
Celebrating America's 250th

Mayors left frustrated following meeting regarding New Jersey drone sightings

State police and Homeland Security officials told lawmakers and mayors they don't believe the U.S. military, federal government or large tech organizations are behind the drones.

Amanda Eustice

Dec 11, 2024, 5:29 PM

Updated

Share:

State lawmakers and local government officials met behind closed doors at state police headquarters in Ewing on Wednesday for a briefing about the mysterious drones that have been spotted in New Jersey skies over the past few weeks.

Many leaders said they left that meeting feeling frustrated.

"Now I'm legitimately concerned for what the hell is going on because nobody knows," said state Assemblyman Brian Bergen, of District 26.

"We are literally being invaded by drones, we have no idea who is doing and where they're coming from," said Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herb.

State police and Homeland Security officials told lawmakers and mayors they don't believe the U.S. military, federal government or large tech organizations are behind them. Which begs the question who is?

"The commander of the state police here admitted that he had a helicopter of his flying above one of these drones and saw it and he pulled them away because he thought it was unsafe for them," said Bergen.

Those in the meeting tell News 12 that the drones aren't using common radio frequencies, which makes it difficult to detect or track them.

MORE: Congressman alleges New Jersey drones are from Iran, Pentagon disputes claims

"We're going to have pretty sophisticated radar and camera equipment that's cutting edge that's going to come into the state in the next week or so," said state Sen. Declan O'Scalon, of District 13.

Officials say the biggest disappointment of the meeting was the fact that the FBI, who is investigating the drones, was not here to brief them, leaving many of them having to go back to their constituents and tell them that they still don't have any answers.

"I'm nervous for my residents because, for some folks, this is making them very uneasy," said Mine Hill Township Mayor Sam Morris.

There is a push to have the Federal Aviation Administration ban drones from flying at night.

Law enforcement officials continue to stress as of now there is no known threat to the public.

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew alleged that the drones are coming from an Iranian ship off the coast of the United States. Pentagon officials have denied these claims.

Top Stories

01:20
MARSHALL4

HEAT ALERT: Heat wave continues to grip the Garden State into the holiday weekend

03:09
Storm Wrangler

Storm Wrangler 12 Powered by Jeep hits the road as dangerous heat settles into New Jersey

00:28
Screenshot 2026-07-02 053404

CDC warns of growing parasitic illness cases across tri-state area

Screenshot 2026-07-02 072001

Down the Shore: New Jersey's Revolutionary War legacy

02:00
Screenshot 2026-07-02 073936

Road Trip Close To Home: Fairfield skate park helps build skills and confidence for all riders

02:10
Screenshot 2026-07-02 070432

Doctor shares ways to prevent sunburn and protect skin during summer

00:30
LIACRECALL702_2026-07-02-05-29-29

Thousands of AC units recalled due to potential fire and burn risk

01:53
Screenshot 2026-07-01 222842

Extreme heat grips New Jersey as officials urge residents to conserve power, water

02:05
coupleclimbsempirestatebldg10pZC_2026-07-01-22-18-59

Daredevil couple from NJ faces charges for climbing Empire State Building

water restrictions

Mandatory water restrictions in place for multiple NJ counties

02:03
Screenshot 2026-07-01 123515

18-year-old Garwood teen charged in murder of 2 Cranford teenage girls will remain jailed

01:54
reRahwayAbandonedPuppies_2026-07-01-17-44-53

More than a dozen puppies abandoned in Rahway now up for adoption

02:59
72bc875e-6552-453f-b518-e9e110be31a2

Gov. Sherrill urges caution for residents ahead of expected heat wave

00:21
News 12 Entertainment

Casting call: HBO's 'Neighbors' seeking real-life neighbor disputes for next season

AP26183071414295

U.S. beats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to advance to round of 16 and keep its World Cup dreams alive

00:52
Rejp712026_2026-07-01-22-23-39

Jersey Proud: 70-year-old with Parkinson's runs 100 marathons in 100 Days

00:20
police investigation police lights mon copy

Newark man wanted after allegedly threatening Popeyes coworker with rifle in Montclair

03:02
COLD WATER RAW TN

Residents trying to beat the heat at the Jersey Shore face chilly ocean temps

00:26
Masks generic

CDC monitoring a new parasite outbreak with 10 cases in New Jersey

AP24144556513355

Airbnb expands anti-party measures ahead of July 4 holiday weekend

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices