Weeks of unexplained drone sightings raise fears and frustrations in New Jersey

New Jersey state lawmakers say they have been briefed by security officials amid a joint federal and state investigation into weeks of unexplained drone sightings across the state that have prompted heightened security concerns from residents, military personnel and state officials.

Weeks of mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey are prompting heightened security concerns – and mounting frustrations – from residents, military personnel and federal, state and local officials. While the state’s governor says there’s no threat to public safety, other state officials and local mayors are alarmed. “I’m legitimately concerned for what the hell is going on because nobody knows,” state Assemblyman Brian Bergen told CNN affiliate News 12 New Jersey after a briefing at state police headquarters on Wednesday. “We are literally being invaded by drones. We have no idea who is doing it and where they’re coming from,” Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herb told the station after the briefing. Law enforcement has not identified the origin or landing sites of the drones, Mayor Michael Melham of Belleville Township said in a Facebook video update on Wednesday. He added that the drones primarily operate at night, often displaying flashing lights, but they turn off the lights and evade police helicopters when approached. According to Melham, the drones have eluded radar detection, possibly because they do not emit frequencies or possess evasion capabilities.