Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown’s office confirmed Wednesday that ongoing drone sightings in the county and across New Jersey are part of an FBI investigation. The mysterious activity has prompted local officials to issue warnings to residents about potential safety risks.
Reports describe single drones hovering over homes for extended periods and groups of up to eight drones clustering together. “Drones are considered aircraft, and airspace is strictly regulated by the FAA,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner John Lanza, who serves as the liaison to the Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Safety.
The sheriff’s office urged residents to take the situation seriously, emphasizing that unauthorized drone operations can jeopardize public safety, privacy, and even national security. Officials also advised against approaching any downed drones, recommending residents contact authorities immediately if they encounter such devices.
The sightings have raised enough concern that Lanza has requested public updates on the investigation. “Unauthorized drone activity poses significant risks,” Lanza said, adding that residents should remain alert and report unusual incidents.
Local authorities noted the growing use of drones and the need for stricter oversight. While the devices are increasingly popular for recreational and commercial use, improper operations can violate airspace regulations and disrupt public safety.
The FBI investigation aims to determine the purpose and origins of the drones. Residents are encouraged to report sightings to local law enforcement to support the investigation and help address the concerns surrounding this unusual activity.
