"We are not being told the truth" Mysterious drone sightings keep the USA on tenterhooks

Since mid-November, there have been repeated sightings of drones over New Jersey that are said to be large, persistent - and mysterious. In the meantime, the case has not only occupied local politicians, but also federal politicians.

The sightings have kept the USA, and the state of New Jersey in particular, on tenterhooks since mid-November: videos of drones whizzing through the night sky have been published on social networks. On December 8 alone, there were 49 such reports.

"I found three mysterious drones in the air," says one videographer. One of the lights suddenly moves extremely fast. "That's wild. What on earth is happening?" She has been watching the flying objects for 10 to 15 minutes, she continues.

According to eyewitnesses, the drones are sometimes as big as cars and stay in the air for a long time. It goes without saying that such recordings on X attract those who believe in UFOs. But official bodies are also taking up the cause: First, 21 mayors have demanded answers from New Jersey's governor.

"I'll tell you what's really going on"

But Phil Murphy can't shed any light on the matter either. On the contrary: "When you look at them, they go dark," the governor tells MSNBC, but he also assures "This is something we take deadly seriously."

Jon Bramnic, a senator from the state, even calls for a limited state of emergency to be declared - "until the public gets an explanation." And then Jeff Van Drew makes his grand entrance: the congressman claims that Tehran is causing all the commotion.

"I'll tell you what's really going on," the riot rag "New York Post" quotes the Republican: "Iran has a mother ship that contains these drones. It's off the East Coast of the United States of America. [The Iranians] have launched these drones. These drones should be shot down."

"We are not being told the truth"

Van Drew also wrote to President Joe Biden. An Iranian drone mother ship "is currently missing from port", "high-ranking sources" had told him. The 71-year-old politician is certain that the timing of the disappearance and the sightings in New Jersey also fit.

As a result, the deputy press secretary of the White House has to comment on the issue: "There is no truth to it," says Sabrina Singh on December 11th. "There is no Iranian ship off the coast" and certainly no "mother ship", emphasizes the 36-year-old.

Van Drew doesn't dispute this, however. "We're not being told the truth," he adds on Fox News on December 12. The Pentagon "treats the American public like they're stupid". But the pressure to find an answer to the phenomenon is growing.

Authorities must take a stand

On December 12, Biden's most important security advisor must also make a statement. John Kirby assures that there is "currently no evidence that the reported drone sightings pose a threat to national or public security or have a foreign connection".

In the meantime, drones have also been sighted in other states. The affair is now also being discussed in Washington. Politicians are demanding answers: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has none, but is investigating the matter. Van Drew now brings Beijing into play on Fox News: "China is a full decade ahead of us," warns the Republican.

The drone mystery isn't just a source of irritation for Americans. Sometimes they also prevent airliners or rescue helicopters from taking off. Sometimes they fly over military installations, but they have also been seen over Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

The authorities are still reluctant to combat drones for fear that falling debris could hit people. However, in view of the growing uncertainty and hysteria, they may soon be forced to change their tune.