Suspicious drone activity near Trump’s golf course in New Jersey leads to FBI investigation and FAA airspace restrictions

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating a series of mysterious drone sightings over central New Jersey in recent weeks, not far from President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster Golf Course.

Federal Aviation Administration officials have closed the airspace over the private club and a nearby Army installation after several residents reported seeing suspicious drones flying overhead over the past two weeks.

“Witnesses have discovered the cluster of drones and a possible fixed-wing aircraft,” FBI Newark wrote in a joint statement with the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, noting that they have received reports from both The public and law enforcement agencies “have been back for several weeks.”

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued two temporary flight restrictions in the region after multiple reports of unusual flight activity in Morris County, including remaining in airspace over Trump National Golf Club Bedminster as well as the U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal hub in nearby Dover, New Jersey in effect until December 26th.

In a statement, the FAA said it received reports as early as Nov. 18 and that the decision to implement the TFRs was made “at the request of federal safety partners.”

The unidentified aircraft have been spotted near the Raritan River every night for the past two weeks – and are usually spotted in groups. A Parsippany woman told the Morristown Daily Record she saw up to five of the mysterious planes buzzing overhead Sunday evening.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon issued a statement assuring the public that his office – along with other law enforcement agencies in New Jersey – was investigating the reports, which he said came from “many” in the community came from.

“At this time, there is no apparent imminent danger to the public and the Sheriff’s Office is working with many law enforcement agencies on this matter,” Gannon wrote.

He also asked local photographers to send high-resolution photos they took of the “questionable flights” to his office for further review.

Submissions can be sent to [email protected], the sheriff’s office said.

Alternatively, those with relevant information are asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit an online tip at Tips.fbi.gov.