Morris County, New Jersey became the center of a mysterious incident this Monday night as multiple large drones were reported flying erratically across several towns including Morristown, Madison, and Mendham. Authorities, including local law enforcement and the New Jersey State Police aviation units, tracked the unusual drone activity for over two hours, prompting an ongoing investigation into their origin and intent.
Witnesses reported seeing anywhere from five to a dozen drones, described as significantly larger than typical consumer-grade drones. The incident has drawn the attention of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, though they have yet to comment on the situation.
The community monitoring group N. Jerzy Fire Alert has been actively updating the public via social media, advising vigilance among residents and authorities. One notable post detailed the drones’ flight path from the Somerset County border northward, accompanied by an image that captured the scale of the event.
Social media users expressed their concerns, questioning the drones’ capabilities, particularly their battery life for sustaining such prolonged flights. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations are strict on drone operations, requiring registration for devices over 0.55 pounds and restricting flight paths to below 400 feet—rules that the sighted drones might have violated.
Rumors initially circulated about a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter’s involvement, but these were corrected by open-source intelligence account OSINTdefender, which confirmed that an AW139 Helicopter with the New Jersey State Police was deployed instead to monitor the situation.
This incident has highlighted the growing concerns and regulatory challenges associated with drone use, as federal and state laws strive to balance innovation with safety and privacy. The true nature and purpose of the drones remain undetermined, leaving the community on alert and authorities searching for answers.
