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Mysterious drones reported in New York, Maryland following weeks of sightings in New Jersey
After weeks of mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey, residents in other East Coast states have started to report similar occurrences.
The governor of New York and former governor of Maryland took to X on Friday to comment on the drone sightings that have spawned various theories about their origin and prompted lawmakers to call for more transparency from investigating agencies.
On Friday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post that New Yorkers had reported drones similar to those in New Jersey.
“We know New Yorkers have spotted drones in the air this week & we are investigating,” Hochul said. “We are coordinating with federal partners including @FBI & @DHSgov to protect New Yorkers.”
Echoing calls from officials in New Jersey, Hochul said there is no imminent threat to public safety or national security.
As federal officials continue to investigate the origin of the aircraft, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have also said there is no evidence the drones pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Drones reported in Maryland
Further south, in Maryland, former Gov. Larry Hogan had a more personal report, saying he himself saw “dozens of large drones” above his personal residence.
“I personally witnessed (and videoed) what appeared to be dozens of large drones in the sky above my residence in Davidsonville, Maryland (25 miles from our nation’s capital). I observed the activity for approximately 45 minutes,” Hogan said in a social media post.
In the statement, Hogan demanded answers on the origin of these aircraft, joining a host of other lawmakers who have called for the same.
“I join with the growing bipartisan chorus of leaders demanding that the federal government immediately address this issue. The American people deserve answers and action now,” Hogan continued.
When were the drones first spotted?
Irregular drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey since November.
Witness accounts and lawmakers said some drones are large, measure 6 feet in diameter and typically fly at night from dusk to 11 p.m., according to the Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction prohibiting drone flights over the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster 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.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
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