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Edited by: Fern Sidman
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has sounded an alarm over an unprecedented rise in drone activity across the Garden State, emphasizing the event as a critical warning for the nation to address its vulnerabilities to potential foreign drone threats. As was reported by The New York Post on Thursday, Murphy spoke candidly on News 12 New Jersey’s “Ask Gov. Murphy” program, outlining the seriousness of the issue while assuring the public that, for now, there is no immediate danger.
“Based on the most sophisticated drone detection systems on the planet that started to arrive in New Jersey last Friday and Saturday, there is no public threat here, period. I could say that unequivocally,” Murphy stated, according to the information provided in The New York Post report. Despite the reassurance, the governor emphasized that this surge in drone sightings must be viewed as a critical wake-up call for the United States.
Murphy noted that while the recent drone activity does not parallel the catastrophic consequences of the 9/11 attacks, it serves as a “benign wake-up call” to America’s susceptibility to foreign forces. “Thank God nobody’s gotten hurt here, nobody’s gotten injured. Nobody’s — thank God — passed,” Murphy said during the program. Yet he stressed the urgency of addressing the broader issue of drone incursions, warning that New Jersey’s situation is indicative of a nationwide vulnerability.’
As per the information provided in The New York Post report, Murphy elaborated on the various sources of drones, ranging from commercial and military operations to hobbyists and law enforcement. The complexity of tracking these devices underscores the challenges in identifying potential threats. “The part that should worry really out there is the vulnerability that we as a nation have to drone incursions,” Murphy warned. “It’s a big issue.”
Murphy’s concerns come amid a surge of over 5,000 reported drone sightings in the tri-state area since Nov. 18, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Department of Defense in a joint statement cited by The New York Post. While the origins of some drones remain unclear, Murphy acknowledged that “a month ago, there may have been suspicious activity” that went undetected due to less advanced systems.
In response to the heightened drone activity, the FAA has implemented temporary restrictions on drone operations in certain parts of New Jersey, effective through Jan. 17. These measures aim to mitigate potential risks while authorities continue to investigate. As Murphy explained, “We probably will never know” the full scope of previous drone activity, but the recent arrival of cutting-edge detection technology has provided critical insights.
The New York Post reported Murphy’s call to action, urging a coordinated effort to address the vulnerabilities exposed by this surge in drone activity. “We must address it sooner than later, and New Jersey’s not immune,” the governor declared. This moment, he suggested, should galvanize national attention and prompt meaningful steps to safeguard the country from potential drone-related threats.
Governor Murphy’s remarks, as detailed in The New York Post, highlight a pressing issue that extends far beyond New Jersey. While the recent drone sightings have not posed a direct threat, they reveal a glaring security gap that demands immediate attention. The Garden State’s experience serves as a critical reminder that vigilance and preparedness are essential in the face of evolving technological challenges.
