A cluster of large drones spotted flying over central New Jersey — including near a military base and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course — has sparked a federal investigation as well as new flight restrictions for the region.
The collection of “what look to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft” have been spotted around the Raritan River, “dating back several weeks,” FBI spokeswoman Amy J. Thoreson told Patch.
According to officials, they appear to be larger than drones typically used by hobbyists, sparking concern given their proximity to Donald Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster and the Picatinny Arsenal Military Base in Rockaway.
Local police have said there is no known threat to public safety at this time.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it first received reports of unauthorized drone activity on Nov. 18. As a result, the agency has barred drones from flying over the president-elect’s golf course from Nov. 22 through Friday. Drones were also forbidden from flying near the military base starting on Nov. 25 through Dec. 26. Both of the bans come at the request of federal security partners, according to Patch.
In addition to Somerset County, where Trump’s golf course is located, drone sightings have also been reported in nearby Mendham, Chester and Morristown.
“Safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System is a key priority for the FAA,” the agency said in a statement. “We look into all reports of unauthorized drone operations and investigate when appropriate.”
The FBI also confirmed it has launched an investigation into the matter. They’ve asked that anyone who has information “related to the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River” to reach out to law enforcement.
Under New Jersey law, drone operators who endanger aircraft or pedestrians could be fined up to $75,000 and lose their pilot certificates.
