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MORRISTOWN, NJ – Law enforcement officers from Morris and Somerset counties, as well as state and federal agencies, are urging the public to report drone sightings following repeated reports of large commercial drones in use near the Picatinny Arsenal.
In a joint statement released Sunday, officials including Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald acknowledged that the public had concerns about the activity. They noted that the drones in question are significantly larger than typical recreational models, with some reportedly being the size of a small car.
The sightings led to an immediate no-drone zone over President Donald Trump’s Bedminster Golf Course.
“Our city law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring and investigating these incidents in collaboration with the FBI-Newark, New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness,” the statement said. Officials stressed that while the activity was alarming given its proximity to the Picatinny Arsenal, there is currently no threat to public safety.
The Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County, New Jersey, is a United States Army facility specializing in the research, development and manufacture of advanced weapons systems and ammunition. The facility covers approximately 6,400 hectares and plays a critical role in equipping the country’s military with state-of-the-art technology, including explosives, small arms and precision-guided weapons.
Founded in 1880, the arsenal has become one of the country’s leading defense research centers and is home to the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC). It is home to thousands of military personnel, civilian engineers and scientists who work on innovative solutions for national defense.
The proximity to densely populated areas and the high-security projects make the location a sensitive location. This underscores why reports of large-scale drone activity near the facility have raised concerns among both local and federal authorities.
The focus of the Arsenal’s operations is to develop and test new weapons and technologies to ensure that U.S. forces maintain a technological edge on the battlefield. It also serves as a hub for collaboration with defense contractors and allied nations, further cementing its importance in the country’s defense infrastructure.
The FBI has asked residents with information about the drone sightings to report details by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting them online at Tips.fbi.gov. The website also allows users to upload videos of drone activity.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety while considering the potential security implications of the activity. “We will continue to investigate these reports with the utmost seriousness,” the statement said.
