In the Garden State, where reports of unidentified flying objects have persisted for over a month, tensions are rising as residents demand answers. What began as isolated incidents of unusual sightings has grown into a widespread phenomenon, leaving many New Jersey communities on edge.
A Month of Mystery in the Skies
It all started on the night after Thanksgiving when Susan and Lorelai Woodruff spotted approximately 10 brightly lit objects darting across the night sky above their home in Elsinboro, southern New Jersey. “Every night since, they’ve been back,” said Lorelai, 52. The objects emit a peculiar humming sound and flash red, green, and white lights.
The Woodruffs, like many others, are convinced the objects are drones, but the lack of clarity from officials has left them feeling vulnerable. “It feels like an invasion,” Lorelai added.
Similar reports have emerged across the state. Emily Ferguson, a resident of Mendham in northern New Jersey, says the sightings have sparked widespread speculation in her town. “The kids keep asking, ‘What’s going on?’ and ‘Why do we need to close the blinds?’—something we never did before,” Ferguson shared.
While most residents report feeling unsettled rather than fearful, the prolonged nature of the phenomenon is raising questions. “It’s unnerving when you walk out your door, and this is what you see,” said Kieran Kelly, a technology consultant in Morristown.
Social Media Buzz and Public Outcry
Tens of thousands of residents across New Jersey and neighboring states have taken to social media to share videos, theories, and frustrations. A Facebook group dedicated to tracking the sightings in southern New Jersey, started by portrait photographer Jenna B. Keen, gained over 600 members in less than 24 hours.
“It’s literally growing by the hour,” said Keen, who reported seeing as many as 15 objects at once in the sky. “People want answers.”
While some speculate that the objects are extraterrestrial spacecraft, others believe they are advanced drones. “Misinformation is rampant,” said North Bergen resident David Whitely. “What’s real and what isn’t? Personally, I’m exhausted.”
Official Assurances Fall Short
Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, have stated that there is no evidence the sightings pose a threat to public safety. Officials have even suggested that many of the sightings are manned aircraft mistaken for drones.
Yet these explanations have done little to reassure the public. “I think that’s completely unacceptable,” said Ramy Makary, a Howell resident. “The lack of information is just creating more chaos.”
Emily Ferguson, who has witnessed the objects near her Mendham home, feels that officials are dismissing valid concerns. “They’re gaslighting us,” she said, expressing frustration over being labeled as paranoid or conspiratorial.
Political Pressure Mounts
Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle have joined the chorus of criticism, urging federal agencies to provide more transparency.
Several Republican leaders, including President-elect Donald J. Trump, have accused the Biden administration of withholding information. “What are they hiding?” Trump asked in a Friday social media post, fueling further speculation.
Democrats, too, have voiced their dissatisfaction. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey called for “a lot more transparency” in a press conference, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Saturday that an airfield in New Windsor had been temporarily shut down due to drone activity. “This has gone too far,” Hochul said, demanding federal intervention to safeguard residents and infrastructure.
Theories Abound, But Answers Remain Elusive
As the mystery persists, theories about the origins and purpose of the objects range from secret military operations to private drone activities. Some residents, like Michael Ash of Westfield, are documenting their sightings in real time. “I saw three of these things with my own eyes in 20 minutes,” said Ash.
Despite the buzz, the ongoing investigations by federal, state, and local authorities have yet to yield definitive conclusions. For many, the lack of answers is more unsettling than the sightings themselves.
A State on Edge
For weeks, residents across New Jersey have looked to the skies, waiting for clarity. The persistent sightings have disrupted daily life, forcing people to question their privacy and safety. “In town, everyone is talking about this, and no one has any answers,” said Ferguson.
As federal officials scramble to address public concerns, New Jersey remains at the center of a growing mystery that shows no signs of abating. Until definitive answers are provided, the skies above the Garden State will continue to draw wary and curious gazes.