New York: Unidentified flying objects have been worrying residents for several weeks

© Reynaldo #brigworkz Brigantty/Pexels

In the New York and New Jersey region, the nocturnal ballet of unidentified flying machines is disrupting the peace of the inhabitants. These devices, described as significantly larger than consumer drones (such as the DJI Air 3S or the DJI Neo, for example) are attracting the attention of American intelligence and security services, without any official explanation being able to be provided to date. Apparitions also seem to be multiplying since mid-November.

A disturbing aerial presence

This will not be the first time that testimonies of this style emerge from the Land of Uncle Sam, whose culture is very strongly marked by ufology. On the other hand, this time, the stories appear more serious and report similar observations: Unusually large drones, equipped with flashing lights and distinctive rotors, crisscross the night sky.

In Bedminster, a resident reports daily sightings, counting up to five at a time. The size of these craft, comparable to that of an automobile, sets them apart from commercial models. The sightings span a wide geographic area, affecting about ten counties in New Jersey, as well as Staten Island in New York. The regularity of the apparitions and their increasing number necessarily reinforce the concern of local residents.

« This is not a simple drone: an inexplicable aerial phenomenon, in other words an unidentified object or event, is currently taking place in New Jersey, before the eyes of thousands of witnesses and captured in numerous videos » tweeted a certain DivXMan five days ago by sharing a video (see below).

A multi-level institutional response

Faced with the scale of the phenomenon, mobilization is being organized at the highest level of the State. The White House, through its spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, confirms President Biden's direct involvement in monitoring the case. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are also coordinating their efforts on the ground to unravel the mystery.

New Jersey elected official Chris Smith has contacted the Pentagon, warning in particular about a worrying incident: a dozen drones allegedly pursued a Coast Guard vessel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was personally challenged by Smith about the presence of these devices near sensitive installations.

Between disinformation and collective anxiety

Without much surprise, the social networks are catching fire and amplifying the phenomenon, becoming the scene of an escalation of hypotheses. Many videos are circulating, some featuring false images and 3D montages, and disinformation is proliferating, fueling unfounded extraterrestrial theories.

The authorities are trying to maintain the course of rationality: The Pentagon, through its spokesperson Sabrina Singh, formally rules out the hypothesis of American military equipment or foreign intervention. “Our initial analysis is that this is not a foreign adversary or a foreign entity,” she said. Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew's allegations of possible Iranian involvement were categorically refuted.

In Bergen County, reactions range from concern to pragmatism. Sam Lugo, 23, an employee at a local gym, expressed unease at the lack of explanation. Joseph Boutros, 21, took a more measured stance, worrying only about a potential armed threat. In the absence of concrete answers, the authorities are continuing their investigations, leaving the enigma of these nocturnal visitors hanging for the moment.