FBI investigates mystery drones flying over central New Jersey in recent weeks

The FBI said it is launching an investigation into large drones that have been spotted flying over central New Jersey in the last several weeks.

On Tuesday, the FBI issued a joint statement with the New Jersey State Police and the State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness asking for information related to "the recent sightings of possible drones flying in several areas along the Raritan River."

"Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft," FBI spokesperson Amy Thoreson said. "We have reports from the public and law enforcement dating back several weeks."

The FBI is also investigating reports of a “fixed-wing aircraft” seen flying along the Raritan River, according to reporting from The Daily Record, part of the USA TODAY Network.

The FBI did not respond to follow-up inquiries about the specific location of sightings along the 70-mile Raritan River, which flows through Somerset County, at one point passing within about 10 miles of Trump National Golf Club, the president-elect's frequent summer getaway in Bedminster, before flowing into Middlesex County and onto the Atlantic Coast.

The FAA bans drones in the area

Last month the Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction prohibiting drone flights over Trump National and the Picatinny Arsenal military research and manufacturing facility in Morris County. The move came "at the request of federal security partners," the FAA said.

Officials say there is no threat to public safety

Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said there was no current threat to the public in a statement published on Facebook on Monday.

“The recent drone activity observed by many in our communities is being actively investigated," Gannon said. "There is no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time, and the Sheriff’s Office, along with many law enforcement agencies, are working in partnership on this matter."

But that does not mean that local residents haven't been spooked. Jonelle Ferentinos is one witness looking for more answers. Ferentinos told the Daily Record that she had seen the drones for several weeks when out for nightly dog walks. On Sunday night, she says she saw five of them.

"It was dark, so I really couldn't see where they were coming from or going to," she said. "They just seemed to be flying around."

The drones were back in her neighborhood Monday night, up to four at a time, hovering and moving about in different directions, she said.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. reports for USA TODAY and William Westhoven reports for The Daily Record.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mystery drones: FBI investigates after sightings over New Jersey