Drones Flew Over Cinnaminson, As Unexplained NJ Sightings Continue: Police

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Several drones were spotted flying over Cinnaminson on Thursday, as the devices continue perplexing New Jersey residents and officials.

Cinnaminson police say they observed the drones and alerted the FBI and State Police, which have been coordinating to investigate the aircraft that have been reported throughout the state over the past month.

The drone sightings emerged in mid-November, with reports of them making nightly flights in different parts of North Jersey. Over the past two weeks, police in South Jersey have been fielding similar complaints of nighttime drones, which sometimes travel in clusters.

The FBI is asking that anyone who spots a drone call them immediately: Report possible drone sightings by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting an online tip to the FBI tip line.

If you believe a drone is causing an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.

• Related: 5 Ways To Take Action On Drone Mystery: NJ Congresswoman

It remains unclear who's controlling the drones and for what reason.

Law enforcement throughout New Jersey have noted that current laws limit their ability to counter the aircraft. State and local police have been required to rely on federal agencies to spearhead the investigation and take action.

There's been "no evidence" that the reported drones are threatening public safety or national security, according to the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Some of them might also manned aircraft getting mistaken for drones, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

"Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones," Mayorkas said Sunday on ABC's This Week. "Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones. But there's no question that drones are being sighted."

Mayorkas also noted that the Federal Aviation Administration changed a rule last year allowing drones to fly at night, which may explain an uptick in sightings.

But the lack of information from federal authorities has left New Jerseyans frustrated. Even Senator-elect Andy Kim said he's had better luck getting information from civilian aviators than the federal government.

Kim watched the skies with local police for possible drones and worked with local experts for a deeper analysis. Most of their potential sightings were "almost certainly" planes, but the public shouldn't have to rely on civilians for that analysis, Kim said.

"Press releases from federal agencies that don't share analysis of evidence and instead just reiterate statements aren't helpful in this moment," Kim said in a statement. "We have a lot of distrust in politics/government right now, and we need federal gov to respect the right for the public to be informed."