Officials were recently alerted of suspicious drone activity near President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey golf club. According to reports, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed earlier this week it had enacted two flight restrictions after observing the activity in airspace near Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
The FAA reportedly was first notified of the drone activity on November 18 in Morris County, approximately two miles from Trump’s golf course. The agency promptly imposed two temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) after “federal security partners” requested action to be taken. However, reports indicate that drone activity is still being spotted in central New Jersey.
A statement from the FAA on Tuesday read, “Safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System is a key priority for the FAA. We look into all reports of unauthorized drone operations and investigate when appropriate.” The agency stated that drone operators who endanger aircraft or people can face penalties such as having their certification revoked and/or $75,000 in fines.
According to a Fox News report on the matter, “Local media reported law enforcement has also been probing continued drone activity in the area. Sightings have also occurred a few miles north of Bedminster in Mendham and Parsippany, where I-80 meets I-287. A Parsippany woman told the Morristown Record she saw as many as five drones overhead Sunday night.” Additionally, a spokeswoman for the FBI claimed the Newark field office and the New Jersey State Police were further investigating the matter.
“Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon would like to inform everyone that the recent drone activity observed by many in our communities is being actively investigated. There is no advisable immediate danger to the public at this time,” according to a statement from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. “County and local law enforcement agencies are aware of the recurring reports of drone activity around Morris and Somerset counties, and acknowledge the public’s concern about these repeated sightings,” the announcement added.
Users on social media have also reacted to the incident. Conservative commentator Mario Nawfal wrote, “DRONES SWARM SKIES NEAR TRUMP’S NJ GOLF COURSE…The FBI has launched an investigation into drone flights spotted over Trump’s Bedminster golf course and near the Picatinny Arsenal military facility in New Jersey. One witness claimed the clock in their car changed its time when close to one of the drones, returning to normal after it had left. The FBI is asking the public for photos, videos, or any information related to the incidents.”
Another user questioned, “This is disturbing that it’s been going on for a few years and the military and air traffic control act like they don’t know what’s going on. Who in government is complicit in covering the balloons and drones? If the same thing was happening over the EU, China or Russia, it wouldn’t be allowed.”
Another person suggested, “Picatinny Arsenal manufactures a wide range of products, which include weapons, gunpowder, munitions, and military systems. Is it possible that a foreign country such as China (remember the hot air ballon) or a terrorist group are using drones to gain intel on this arsenal? 🤔”
See a robotic dog guarding Mar-a-Lago below:
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