Did Fighter Jets Scramble to Chase an Orb in New Jersey? Drone Mystery Continues...
FAA Imposes Temporary Drone Flight Restrictions in New Jersey and New York
On December 18, 2024, four F-16 fighter jets were scrambled from a nearby Air Force base to possibly investigate drones spotted flying over Atlantic City, New Jersey. The individual who reported this, Matthew Nelson, an Air Force veteran, observed the jets taking off while he was in his front yard. He noted seeing a bright glowing orb in the sky shortly thereafter.
https://x.com/MatthewUSAF/status/1869527568128549224
UAP SIGHTING IN SOUTH NJ
A couple hours ago, the fighter squadron down the road from my house (approx. 15 min outside of Atlantic City, NJ) scrambled four F-16 fighter jets. My buddy and I were talking in the front yard, and a few minutes later, we noticed an extremely bright glowing orb in the sky. It was moving slowly towards my house, and after about 10 minutes, it started moving the opposite direction. It was probably somewhere around 25,000 feet and was visible for about an hour and a half before we lost sight of it. I used to work on airplanes in the Air Force and also know a lot about drones. I can confidently say this glowing object was neither. What the hell is going on here in New Jersey?! Below are a couple of uneditied pics and videos I took from my Samsung phone.
Side note: the jets were likely an extremely well-timed coincidence. The 177th fighter squadron out of AC Int. Airport is 10 minutes from my house. They fly routine training all the time. I'm not here to convince anyone of anything specific. I just wanted to report what I saw.
There are drone and there are orbs. Orbs appear as bright balls of light, which some speculate could be plasmoids…
This possible response by the military indicates heightened concern over unidentified aerial activity, especially given the context of increased drone sightings in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented 47 no-fly zones throughout New Jersey and parts of New York, which suggests a significant level of caution regarding drone operations near critical infrastructure.
In addition to the military response, local law enforcement has been authorized to take action against troublesome drones, including potentially shooting them down if they pose a threat. The presence of these no-fly zones and the military's readiness to scramble fighter jets highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation concerning drones in the region.
In a move to enhance public safety and national security, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed temporary flight restrictions on drone operations over critical infrastructure sites in parts of New Jersey and New York. This decision comes amid the series of mysterious drone and orb sightings across the eastern United States, which have raised concerns among residents and prompted investigations by authorities.
Details of the Drone Ban
The immediate ban, effective from December 20, 2024, prohibits drone operations below 400 feet over 22 infrastructure locations in New Jersey and 29 sites in New York state. This restriction will remain in place through January 18, 2025. The FAA has emphasized that these actions are precautionary, with no current threats identified to these sites.
In New Jersey, the restrictions cover more than 20 communities, including Hamilton, Bridgewater, Camden, and Jersey City. Similarly, New York has implemented restrictions over several critical infrastructure sites. These Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) establish a one nautical mile radius around the affected areas.
Government and FAA Statements on the Drone Ban
"This action is purely precautionary; there are no threats to these sites," explained New York Governor Kathy Hochul. She added, "While we have not detected any public safety or national security threats, we will continue aggressively monitoring the situation as we call on Congress to pass legislation to give states and local law enforcement the authority and resources they need to manage this evolving technology."
The FAA has made it clear that drone pilots operating in restricted zones risk being intercepted and detained by law enforcement. The agency also reserved the right to use "deadly force" against unmanned aircraft if they pose an "imminent security threat."
Drone Ban Background and Recent Developments
This latest move follows a similar ban imposed by the FAA earlier in December 2024 in New Jersey, covering Trump's golf course in Bedminster. That restriction is set to expire on January 31, 2025.
The decision to impose TFRs follows numerous reported drone sightings since mid-November 2024. Thousands of tips have been submitted to the FBI regarding these activities. While federal authorities have stated there is no known threat, the TFRs are being implemented "out of an abundance of caution" in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and local critical infrastructure partners.
Drone Ban Implications and Future Directions
The restrictions apply to all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including recreational drones, with exceptions for first responders and certain commercial operations. Pilots who violate the TFRs may face sanctions ranging from warnings and fines to certificate suspensions or revocations.
The mysterious drone sightings have sparked calls from some local officials and lawmakers for stricter regulations, including the ability to shoot down unauthorized drones. However, the FBI has cautioned against such actions due to potential public safety risks.
Drone Ban in a Nutshell
Temporary Ban Duration:
Effective from December 20, 2024, to January 18, 2025.
Altitude Restriction:
Drone operations are prohibited below 400 feet above ground level.
Geographical Scope:
New Jersey: Covers 22 infrastructure sites and over 20 communities, including Hamilton, Bridgewater, Camden, and Jersey City.
New York: Includes restrictions over 29 critical infrastructure sites.
Radius of Restriction:
Establishes a 1 nautical mile radius around restricted areas.
Enforcement and Consequences:
Drones in restricted zones may be intercepted and detained by law enforcement.
The FAA reserves the right to use "deadly force" against drones posing an imminent security threat.
Violations may lead to sanctions such as warnings, fines, or certificate suspensions/revocations.
Exemptions:
Exceptions are made for first responders and certain commercial drone operations under specific conditions.
Reason for Implementation:
Precautionary measure due to increased mysterious drone sightings since mid-November 2024, though no immediate public safety or national security threats have been identified.
Coordination:
Implemented in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and local critical infrastructure partners.
Legislative Appeal:
Calls for Congress to provide states and local law enforcement more authority and resources to manage drone technology effectively.
Sources
FAA Bans Drones over Parts of New Jersey and New York. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2024/12/20/faa-bans-drones-over-parts-of-new-jersey-and-new-york/
FAA bans drones over several New Jersey towns, New York infrastructure sites - CBS New York. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/faa-bans-nj-drones/
Drone Laws in New Jersey (2024) - UAV Coach. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-new-jersey/
FAA stops drone flights over NJ towns, for now – NBC10 Philadelphia. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/faa-drone-ban-new-jersey/4058274/
FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New Jersey, New York adds flight restrictions - ABC News. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://abcnews.go.com/US/drone-updates-faa-temporarily-bans-drone-operations-parts/story?id=116936091
NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission - Regulations Drone/Aerial Photography. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.nj.gov/njfilm/regulations-drone.shtml
Orb Report by Matthew Nelson on X (December 18, 2024). https://x.com/MatthewUSAF/status/1869527568128549224
Trouble is I have been programmed to expect something like this.