For several weeks, New Jersey residents have taken to social media to express concerns about multiple low-flying, car-sized drones floating above their surrounding areas. The mysterious sight has drawn a great deal of attention to the matter, with New Jerseyans looking for answers. On our end, we see local FB groups abuzz with concerns and potential sightings. While the world waits for answers, here’s everything we know about the drone sightings in New Jersey.
Where Have the Drones Been Spotted?
Dozens of unexplained drone sightings have been reported in several counties across New Jersey confirmed by both local and state authorities, including Sussex County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Warren County, Morris County, Essex County, Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Monmouth County, Burlington County, and Camden County. Stand-out sightings were of drones found hovering over Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, New Jersey, and Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia in Pine Hill, New Jersey. Additional sightings have also been reported in Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York. Staten Island Congresswoman, Nicole Malliotakis has also been requesting answers as the drone sightings increase. As a result, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) 4/1797 restricting the operation of any Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in regions of New Jersey from December 6th, 2024 until December 20th, 2024. To take a closer look at NOTAM zones and other air-related restrictions visit faa.gov here.
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Several government officials have taken to social media to express their concerns including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy who reported he had a briefing with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, along with other senior officials from The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the New Jersey State Police, and other members of the congressional delegation to discuss the matters at hand. Gov. Murphy concluded with “There is no known threat to the public at this time.”
Yesterday I convened a briefing with @SecMayorkas, senior officials from @DHSgov, @NJOHSP, and @NJSP, and members of our congressional delegation to discuss reported drone activity over parts of North and Central New Jersey.
We are actively monitoring the situation and in close…
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 5, 2024
Senator Cory Booker also took to X releasing an official letter addressed to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray prompting the FBI to open an investigation.
Tom Kean, Jr., Representative of the 7th Congressional District of New Jersey also expressed similar frustration via X and via press release saying “The people of New Jersey deserve answers, and I will continue to demand accountability to ensure their rights and security are fully protected.”
I join thousands of New Jersey residents in deep frustration regarding the growing concerns over drones operating in our skies. The safety and privacy of our residents must be a top priority, and right now, both are being put at risk.
I am calling for the Department of Homeland…
— Congressman Tom Kean (@CongressmanKean) December 9, 2024
Locally, the Wyckoff Police Department of Bergen County sent out a post to social media followers via Facebook saying “We have been made aware of large flying drones being observed this evening throughout the Township. County and local law enforcement agencies are aware of the recurring reports of drone activity in several counties and acknowledge the public’s concern about these repeated sightings. The FBI Newark and the NJ State Police are asking for the public to report any information related to the recent sightings of possible drones. Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov. If anyone finds a drone, immediately contact the Wyckoff Police Department. At this time, there is no known threat to public safety.”
How Has the FBI Responded?
After a Congressional hearing in Washington D.C. yesterday, December 10, 2024, New Jerseyans are still left without answers. A video of FBI official Robert Wheeler circulating on social media only adds to the mystery of these events. During the hearing, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas chimed in to ask “You’re telling me we don’t know what the hell these drones in New Jersey are?” while Mr. Wheeler replied with a simple “That’s correct,” echoing that the active investigation will continue.
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What If I See a Drone?
The Federal Aviation Administration website states “If you witness a drone operation that appears dangerous or is being used to commit a crime please report it immediately to your local law enforcement first responders. They can protect public safety and can help discourage dangerous or illegal activities.”
Drone sightings can also be reported to the FAA via email contact form or by calling the FAA’s UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Support Center at 844-359-6982. Capturing photos or videos of the drone sighting can also help gather additional information.
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The Cafe at Journal Squared: Jersey City’s Newest Coffee Shop
When chilly season strikes in Hudson County there are two things we know help the winter blues: warm beverages and cozy gatherings. Enter The Cafe at Journal Squared, presented by Almost Home — a brand-new coffee shop located at 595 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City that's focused on a community-centric feel for the ultimate coffee hang-out. Read on for everything we know about the Journal Square neighborhood’s latest addition.
Photo Credit: Christian Harder
The Cafe at Journal Squared
The Café at Journal Squared is a new coffee shop presented by Almost Home, a New Jersey-based company known for its uniquely designed cafes, coffeehouses, and coffee carts which all gained a massive following after opening its first location in Lincroft, New Jersey. Locals may know the team’s coffee cart located inside Hudson House at 315 15th Street in Jersey City. Entrepreneur and dedicated founder Robert Doran has been working behind the scenes to bring Almost Home’s latest venture to life and create a space for locals to gather. He is looking forward to the new cafe being “a beacon for the community—a place to relax and connect” according to a press release. The Cafe at Journal Squared is one of 11 of the brand’s locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: Christian Harder
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The Cafe at Journal Squared is located in the lobby of the third tower of Journal Squared. Conveniently settled above the Journal Square PATH Station, this new endeavor was designed to create vibrant and community-centric spaces within the neighborhood. The space can seat 50+ guests and features cozy seating arrangements and playful swinging chairs. The well-lit lobby is flooded with natural light and creates a warm and inviting ambiance for coffee lovers, work-from-homers, or those who just need a moment of peace and relaxation.
The Menu
While the vibes alone are with all the hype, the coffee creations at The Cafe at Journal Squared will also have an Insta-worthy edge. Robert has thoughtfully crafted a lively menu with high-quality coffee, baked goods, wraps, baked goods, matcha, and salads. Aside from the usual coffee drinks, Robert has taken things to the next level to incorporate a bit of nostalgic flare, nodding to his childhood. Fun-filled drinks like the Cereal Latte and the Dirty Yoo-hoo, a rich, chocolatey espresso served in a Yoo-hoo bottle, are sure to be favorites. Other drinks of interest have to be the Pistachio Milk Matcha, made with Nekohama Matcha or the Monochrome, a latte with activated charcoal and vanilla.
Photo Credit: Christian Harder
Robert said via a press release “We have these fun drinks based on the things I grew up enjoying, but at the same time we do the basics really well. Every season we are sourcing some of the best single-origin coffees from around the world, and we are constantly changing our offerings based on what is in harvest. We take a lot of pride in our espresso-based options and our pour-overs, so we try to find a nice balance that includes both serious, high-quality coffee and fun, Instagram-worthy creations.”
Visiting The Cafe at Journal Squared
The Cafe at Journal Squared is open daily from 7AM-4PM. Menu items are also available for delivery or pick up via Toast here. To keep up with all things Almost Home follow along on Instagram or check out the website.
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