Suspicious drone activity near Trump’s NJ golf course prompts FBI investigation, FAA airspace restrictions

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into a series of mysterious drone sightings over Central New Jersey in recent weeks, not far from President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.

Federal aviation officials have shut down the airspace over the private club as well as a nearby army facility after several residents reported seeing suspicious drones flying overhead in the past two weeks.

“Witnesses have spotted the cluster of what look to be drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft,” the FBI Newark wrote in a joint statement with NJ State Police and NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, noting they’ve received reports from both the public and law enforcement “dating back several weeks.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued two temporary flight restrictions in the area following multiple reports of the unusual aircraft activity in Morris County, including the airspace over Trump National Golf Club Bedminster as well as US Army hub Picatinny Arsenal in nearby Dover, NJ, which will remain in effect until Dec. 26.

In a statement, the FAA said it’s received reports as far back as Nov. 18, and that the decision to implement the TFRs was made “at the request of federal security partners.”

The unidentified aerial vehicles have been sighted in the vicinity of the Raritan River on a nightly basis over the last two weeks — and are usually spotted in groups. One Parsippany woman told the Morristown Daily Record she saw up to five of the mysterious aircraft buzzing overhead Sunday night.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon issued a statement assuring the public that his office — alongside other NJ law enforcement agencies — was investigating the reports, which he said have come in from “many” in the community.

“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,” Gannon wrote.

He also asked local shutterbugs to send in high-resolution photos they’ve captured of the “questionable flights” to his office for further review.

Submissions can be sent to MCSODMU@co.morris.nj.us, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Alternatively, those with relevant information are asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit an online tip at tips.fbi.gov.