In recent days, the massive drone activity in the skies over New Jersey and neighboring states has sparked a wave of reports, concerns, and conspiracy theories.
Some figures on the American right, including political activist Charlie Kirk and television actress Roseanne Barr, claim that these sightings are linked to Project Blue Beam, an old conspiracy theory suggesting that so-called “globalists” would stage a fake alien invasion to establish a New World Order and limit civil liberties.
Even Donald Trump, during a public appearance yesterday, declared that he would no longer play golf at his Bedminster club until the mystery is resolved. According to the newly elected president, “the government knows what is happening.” Trump also criticized the authorities’ inability to identify the origin of the objects, asserting that the military should be able to track their takeoffs. However, he ruled out hostile intentions behind the operation, adding that the United States would have shot down any foreign aircraft.
The federal administration, through the National Security Council (NSC), the national security body dealing with military and foreign policy issues, has attempted to reassure the public. They believe the reported aircraft so far include legitimate commercial vehicles, amateur drones, law enforcement aircraft, and even stars that sometimes are mistaken for flying objects.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recorded over 5,000 sighting reports in the Northeast since mid-November. Despite reassurances, the lack of clear answers has intensified speculation on social media. Videos and theories have quickly spread online, including a TikTok clip from the CEO of a Kansas-based remote aerial systems company.
In the video, viewed by over 1.5 million people, it is suggested that the drones might be “flying low to detect gas leaks or radioactive materials.”
In addition to these mysteries, authorities have reported incidents of real concern: in recent days, aircraft approaching Newark Airport have been targeted by green lasers pointed from the ground, a dangerous behavior that could cause accidents.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has urged the Department of Homeland Security to deploy advanced drone detection technology produced by Robin Radar Systems over New York and New Jersey.
The Dutch company is known for its 360-degree radar systems capable of detecting small flying objects, including birds. Recently, its systems have been used for environmental projects and military applications, and were supplied to Ukraine to track Russian aircraft. However, the company’s CEO, Kristian Brost, explained that while the locators can identify a drone, they cannot precisely determine who is piloting it or where it originates.
At present, the phenomenon remains an intricate mix of collective hysteria, technological monitoring, and conspiratorial suspicions, with authorities still searching for concrete answers to provide to concerned citizens.
