Residents of Staten Island, New York and New Jersey have reported seeing waves of unidentified drones in the night sky, raising concerns among local politicians and prompting federal agencies to respond. They are seeking answers and the imposition of flight restrictions.
of new york post report The strange drone phenomenon that has been attracting the attention of New Jersey residents since November 18th has now spread to Staten Island, New York. Witnesses reported seeing a drone emitting a bright light hovering over the island Thursday night, the Staten Island Advance reported.
One notable sighting was made by retired Air Force sergeant Walter Ziegler of New Springville, who observed the drone through binoculars from his apartment window. Ziegler described the object as having five to six pieces with “a white light in the middle and a red light on each side,” and estimated it to be about 15 feet long. The sighting occurred just near Goethals Bridge, near the island's border with New Jersey.
These incidents have Staten Island politicians demanding answers and calling for flight restrictions over the borough. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis issued a statement urging the FAA to temporarily restrict drone flights in the region. Additionally, she called for immediate clarification from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to determine the source of the drone.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella also expressed concern about the situation, writing in a letter that it is “bizarre and very strange” that the source and purpose of these drones remains unknown. He highlighted further concerns that some drones may be flying without active transponders, making it difficult to track their whereabouts.
The drone phenomenon is already impacting air traffic in the region. On November 26, a medical helicopter was forced to divert due to an accident in Somerset County, New Jersey due to the presence of a drone. The incident prompted the FAA to issue two temporary flight restrictions over Morris and Somerset counties.
The flight over New Jersey is currently under investigation by the FBI, according to NJ.com. Witnesses in New Jersey reported seeing dozens of these high-flying drones, some as large as a dining room table. The mysterious aircraft has also been observed over sensitive locations such as the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster and the US Army Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, New Jersey.
Although Governor Phil Murphy has assured New Jersey residents that these objects are not a threat, the lack of information regarding their origin and purpose continues to raise questions and concerns among the public and local governments.
read more of new york post here.
Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News, covering free speech and online censorship issues.
