Drone activity near Trump Bedminster, Army arsenal spurs NJ flight restriction: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that it issued two flight restrictions due to questionable drone activity in the vicinity of President-elect Trump’s golf club in New Jersey. Reports of drone sightings were first received on Nov. 18 in Morris County, which borders Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County.
In response to requests from federal security partners, the FAA implemented two temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in the area. One of the restrictions covers airspace above Trump Bedminster, while the other encompasses Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. Army research and development center in Dover, N.J.
The flight restrictions will remain in place over Trump Bedminster until the end of the week and over Picatinny Arsenal until Dec. 26. The FAA emphasized the importance of safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System and stated that unauthorized drone operations are taken seriously. Drone pilots who endanger aircraft or people may face certification revocation and fines of up to $75,000.
Local law enforcement has been investigating the continued drone activity in the area, with sightings reported in Mendham and Parsippany, a few miles north of Bedminster. Morris County Sheriff James Gannon reassured the public that there is no immediate danger, urging them to provide clear photographs of the drones to law enforcement.
The FBI’s Newark field office and the New Jersey State Police are also conducting investigations into the drone sightings. Team Trump and the U.S. Army’s garrison at Picatinny were contacted for comments but have not responded.
These drone sightings in New Jersey come amidst similar incidents in the United Kingdom, where unidentified drones have been seen over British-American joint bases. The British military deployed personnel to protect the bases, which house fighter jets, and no incidents have caused damage or harm.
In a separate incident, the punk rock band Green Day halted a concert in Detroit after a drone was spotted overhead. The show resumed after a brief interruption, and a man was detained by Detroit Police.
In conclusion, the FAA is actively addressing unauthorized drone operations, and law enforcement agencies are investigating the recent sightings in New Jersey. The safety and security of airspace around sensitive areas are top priorities for both federal and local authorities.
