Security Experts Share Startling Theory About Who May Be Behind Mysterious Drones in New Jersey and Why

The strange drones that have been disrupting residents in New Jersey for weeks might be linked to a classified government initiative, experts told The Post on Tuesday. As state legislators demand clarity over these troubling sightings, there has been little communication from federal authorities about the frequent drone activity in areas such as Morris, Passaic, Bergen, and Hunterdon counties since the first reports on November 18. Some security professionals believe these mysterious flights could be connected to a covert military project designed to test advanced technology before deploying it in combat.

Clint Emerson, a retired Navy SEAL and head of the security firm Escape the Wolf, suggested that these drones might be part of a government operation under a “Special Access Program,” a highly confidential program meant to keep even the most security-cleared individuals in the dark. “My first guess is these are potentially government programs kept within what’s known as a ‘Special Access Program,’ which is purposely put together to keep even the most cleared people out — it truly is to keep it secret,” he said.

Emerson further explained that the government’s lack of response to the sightings is likely a deliberate effort to maintain secrecy. “That’s why the government’s like, ‘We don’t know.’ They’re being truthful,” he added. “They don’t even know the program exists.” He suggested that only a small circle of officials would be privy to the details, with some not even aware of the existence of the program.

While it’s unclear what the drones are doing, Emerson speculates that the technology they are equipped with is the real secret. He described potential uses, such as different types of surveillance technology, including high-definition, infrared, or thermal cameras. “It could be different types of collection capabilities — so, different types of cameras, like high-definition, infrared or thermal,” he said. Another possibility could involve equipment designed to capture cell phone data in specific areas. “How much data can we collect with this? Let’s say we got 10 drones, they fly in a grid, how much cellphone traffic can we pick up? Not actual conversations. But just the signature of millions of cellphones. What can 10 drones pick up going over an area?”

He pointed out that while the drones might not be invading privacy, they are capable of collecting legitimate data. “That’s a legitimate test,” Emerson said. “They’re not invading your privacy. That’s legitimate data. And that’s a … capability.” He further explained that New Jersey’s dense population would make it an ideal location for such testing. “That would be my number one guess: It’s a very closely held program, and they’re doing what they need to do to ensure their technology actually works,” Emerson said.

The most peculiar aspect, according to Emerson, is that if this is indeed a secret government operation, those running it would not have to disclose any information about it. “The beauty of a [special access program] is they’re kinda in their own lawless little world,” he said. “They can go do whatever they want, and they don’t have to tell anybody.”

Security expert Kelly McCann, a former Marine special missions officer with the Office of Naval Research, agreed with Emerson’s assessment and speculated that the government could be testing some form of operational capacity. “It’s weird how we’re supposed to have control of the skies — but this is going on and no one is saying [garbage]?” McCann, who is also a frequent Fox News contributor, told The Post. “I don’t buy it. Tech exists to drop one or all of them, and they haven’t?”

These comments provide little comfort to New Jersey’s lawmakers, who are facing growing concerns from residents about the drones. Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from South Jersey, called for a swift response from the government. “Understandably, New Jersey residents are very alarmed at this significant and reoccurring phenomenon — and the tepid response from our state and federal agencies so far is totally unacceptable,” Smith said in a statement. “As we saw with the Chinese spy balloon last year, our fiercest adversaries will stop at nothing to surveil our homeland and threaten our national security.”

State Senator Jon Bramnick, also a Republican, proposed that the state should impose a temporary ban on drones until the public receives a clear explanation. “New Jersey should issue a limited state of emergency banning all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings,” Bramnick said in a statement released by the GOP Senate Republicans.

Governor Phil Murphy expressed empathy for the frustration felt by the public but maintained that no threat had been identified. “We see no evidence — and this includes Homeland Security, the FBI, Secret Service, our State Police and authorities at all levels of government — the most important point to say is we don’t see any concern for public safety,” Murphy said during an interview with Fox News. He acknowledged the growing concerns but emphasized that authorities had not found a reason to worry. “Having said that, it’s really frustrating that we don’t have more answers about where they’re coming from and why they’re doing what they’re doing,” Murphy added, noting that 49 drone sightings were reported on Sunday night.

Murphy further mentioned that he had communicated with officials at the White House and the Department of Homeland Security and hoped to receive answers soon. “They are apparently … very sophisticated,” he said, referring to the drones. “The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark. We’re obviously most concerned about sensitive targets and critical infrastructure.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has also taken precautions, placing restrictions on drone flights over sites like Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County and the Trump National Golf Club in Somerset. Despite this, both local and federal law enforcement have yet to propose a clear motive for the drone activity, even as videos from witnesses continue to circulate online.

FBI spokeswoman Amy J. Thoreson stated that the agency was investigating the sightings, but emphasized the lack of concrete information. “Unfortunately, we don’t have many answers, and we don’t want to guess or hypothesize about what’s going on,” Thoreson told NJ.com last week. “We are doing all we can to figure it out.”

{Matzav.com}