Hundreds of mysterious drones have been flying over New Jersey, some reportedly as large as cars, prompting state officials to issue alarming new guidance. Belleville Mayor Michael Melham revealed during an interview on Fox News’ “Faulkner Focus” that any downed drones in his town must be treated as potential threats requiring immediate intervention from bomb squads and Hazmat teams.
Mayor Melham described the shocking directives received from the state, emphasizing that these drones cannot be dismissed as ordinary hobbyist devices.
“On the way here, I was on the phone with my OEM [Office of Emergency Management] team, and we now have guidance coming from the state,” Melham stated. “That guidance does say two different things. First of all, if there is a downed drone in our vicinity, we’re immediately to call the bomb squad of our county. Second, our fire department has been instructed to make sure they wear Hazmat suits.”
The mayor’s comments came amidst widespread reports of unidentified drones buzzing across the state, sparking concerns among local residents and officials.
Fox News host Harris Faulkner sought clarification on the severity of the state’s response, asking, “So, if something falls out of the sky that people have seen… you’re to treat this [like] more than a plane crash? It’s treated like an attack on the homeland?”
“That is correct,” Melham affirmed, “because they’re not quite sure if there’s a payload or not, and that’s what we were told during our briefing on Wednesday.”
The possibility of drones carrying payloads—whether hazardous materials or weapons—underscores the seriousness of the protocols. While the specific origins and purposes of the drones remain unclear, the instructions reflect an abundance of caution.
During the interview, Melham speculated that the drones might be linked to high-level government operations. “It sounds like it might very well be our highest-level government; it might be government assets that are being deployed as a countermeasure,” he suggested.
This theory adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, though it has not been confirmed. If the drones are part of a classified operation, it raises questions about the lack of communication with local authorities and the potential risks posed by these devices.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has denied that the drones belong to either the U.S. military or any foreign adversary. During a press briefing, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh refuted claims of foreign involvement, including speculation about Iranian ships or motherships launching drones.
“There is not any truth to that,” Singh stated. “There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States.”
Singh also clarified that “these are not U.S. military drones,” further deepening the mystery surrounding their origin. “This is being investigated by local law enforcement. Our initial assessment is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary,” she added.
The state’s strict measures reflect an effort to safeguard communities while investigations continue. By treating downed drones as potential threats, officials are erring on the side of caution, even as they grapple with unanswered questions about the drones’ purpose and operators.
For towns like Belleville, the directives place additional responsibilities on local first responders. Bomb squads and Hazmat teams are now integral to drone response efforts, a shift that underscores the gravity of the situation. Residents are also urged to report any unusual drone activity to authorities immediately.
The mysterious drone sightings have sparked widespread speculation and concern among the public. Are these drones part of a secret domestic operation, or could they represent an unregulated technological advancement by private entities? The lack of concrete answers has only fueled anxieties.
The potential for drones to carry hazardous payloads highlights broader concerns about drone regulation and security. As technology advances, so too does the risk of misuse, whether by individuals, organizations, or governments.
As the skies over New Jersey continue to host these enigmatic drones, state and local officials are working to ensure public safety. The stringent protocols requiring bomb squad and Hazmat involvement illustrate the seriousness of the threat, even in the absence of definitive answers.
For now, the drones remain an unsolved puzzle, but one thing is certain: vigilance and preparedness are crucial. Whether this mystery involves high-level government operations, private entities, or an entirely new phenomenon, the response from New Jersey’s authorities highlights the importance of staying ready for the unexpected.
