What's New
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered a temporary ban on drones in areas of New Jersey following reports of mystery drone sightings. The restrictions have been brought for "special security reasons."
Unless the operator has been granted special permission from the government for security reasons, drones are not permitted to be flown.
Why It Matters
Officials at local and federal levels have been baffled by reports of mystery drone sightings in New Jersey and other parts of the Northeast.
The reports began roughly a month ago, and a recent statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security said there have been over 5,000 sightings of drones across states on the East Coast in recent weeks.
What We Know
The restrictions came through a NOTAM, also known as a Notice to Airmen or a Notice to Air Missions, which specified the government may use "deadly force" against the drones if they are believed to pose an "imminent security threat."
The order specifies that no unmade aircraft may operate below 400 feet within one nautical mile of the airspaces specified in each area.
If a pilot fails to abide by these restrictions, they could be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement and/or security personnel.
Administrative actions, including imposing civil penalties, suspending or revoking the operator's certificates, and pursuing criminal charges, may be brought in by the FAA in response to the ban being violated.
Where Are Drones Banned In New Jersey?
Drones are banned in nearly two dozen towns, including:
Hamilton
Bridgewater
Cedar Grove
North Brunswick
Metuchen
Evesham
Camden
Gloucester City
Westampton
South Brunswick
Edison
Branchburg
Sewaren
Jersey City
Harrison
Elizabeth
Bayonne
Winslow
Burlington
Clifton
Hancocks Bridge
Kearny
What People Are Saying
The FAA told Newsweek: "At the request of federal security partners, the FAA published 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure."
President-elect Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Mystery Drone Sightings all over the country. Can this really be happening without our government's knowledge. I don't think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT."
President Joe Biden, to reporters on Tuesday: Biden said that the drones were "nothing nefarious apparently" and suggested many of the sightings were authorized drones in flight. He also said that there is "no sense of danger."
What's Next
The ban on drones has been ordered until January 17. Officials are continuing to investigate the sightings.
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