Gina Heslop
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in parts of New Jersey after reports of suspicious drone activity near former President Trump’s golf club in Bedminster and a nearby Army arsenal.
The FAA received the first reports on November 18 in Morris County, about two miles north of Trump National Golf Club.
At the request of federal security agencies, two TFRs were issued. The first restricts airspace above Trump’s Bedminster golf club near Solberg-Hunterdon County Airport, while the second applies to Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. Army research and development center in Dover, New Jersey.
The restriction over Trump’s property will last until the end of the week, and the one over Picatinny Arsenal will remain in place until December 26.
The FAA emphasized that safely managing drones in U.S. airspace is a top priority. Officials investigate all unauthorized drone sightings and can impose penalties of up to $75,000 on operators who endanger others. Drone pilots may also lose their certifications if found violating airspace rules.
Local law enforcement is working to track the drones, as sightings have been reported in several areas, including Central Jersey, Mendham, and Parsippany. One resident in Parsippany reported seeing as many as five drones flying overhead.
The FBI’s Newark field office is collaborating with New Jersey State Police to investigate the incidents. Authorities have encouraged residents to report any sightings and to take clear photos if possible. However, officials, including Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, reassured the public that there is no immediate danger.
Morris and Somerset county officials issued a joint statement promising to monitor the situation and address community concerns. The drone activity has raised questions about potential threats, but no credible risks have been identified so far.
Interestingly, similar drone sightings have occurred near U.S. military sites in the United Kingdom, such as RAF Lakenheath and RAF Fairford, which host American fighter jets. Although these drones did not cause harm or breach security, the Pentagon is keeping an eye on the situation.
In another incident, a drone appeared over a Green Day concert in Detroit in September, prompting lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong to briefly stop the show. Police later arrested a suspect.
