By Cesar A., Reporter
Rockland News
Pearl River, NY – Local authorities are responding to a surge of drone sightings across the county, adding to a growing wave of similar reports from neighboring states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. County Executive Ed Day addressed residents directly, expressing frustration over the lack of federal response and emphasizing the importance of local vigilance.
“We are getting numerous reports of drones operating across the County,” said Day in a statement. “This is not surprising as our neighboring State in New Jersey has been experiencing this for a few days now. This is beyond frustrating as the numerous federal agencies charged with addressing this have been either radio silent or dismissive of the legitimate concerns we all have.”
Day assured residents that Rockland law enforcement is actively investigating the drone activity and urged the community to report sightings to local police departments.
Regional Context
The drone activity in Rockland mirrors a larger pattern of sightings reported in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These incidents have raised questions about potential safety and security risks, as highlighted in a letter sent by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other senators to the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The letter criticized the federal agencies for a lack of transparency and urged them to provide clear answers regarding the drone activity.
In New Jersey, reports of large drones flying in clusters have come from Morris and Somerset counties, with sightings often occurring at night. Similar accounts have emerged from Staten Island and other parts of New York.
The FBI’s Newark field office confirmed that they have been receiving reports from both the public and law enforcement for several weeks. However, the agency has yet to identify the source of the drones or confirm whether all sightings are related.
“Why Would the Lights Be On?”
While local officials continue their investigations, federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, have downplayed immediate concerns. A White House spokesperson stated that the sightings pose no current national security or public safety threat, though investigations are ongoing.
Experts have pointed to various potential uses for large drones, ranging from agricultural applications to military surveillance. However, the nighttime nature of these flights raises questions about their purpose, as commercial and hobbyist drones typically operate during daylight hours.
A local Rockland Security agency, who asked to remain anonymous, stated “It may be our military in a defensive – protective posture. Of course if it was an adversary, they may not elect to share what they are protecting us from. But…if it were an adversary, or an attack, why fly so visibly? Why have the lights on?”
Quite the point.
Ryan Wallace, an associate professor of aeronautical engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, noted that the applications for drones are nearly limitless. “From commercial to military uses, there’s a vast range of possibilities,” Wallace explained. Nonetheless, the sightings remain unexplained, leaving room for speculation.
Local and National Implications
Rockland County residents are urged to stay alert and report any drone activity, particularly in light of reports suggesting that some drones have been spotted near sensitive sites. Similar incidents in New Jersey have included sightings near military installations and critical infrastructure.
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, who has also expressed frustration, is in contact with federal officials. “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously,” Murphy stated, referencing the numerous reports of drones in his state.
As investigations continue, the mystery surrounding these drones remains unresolved, leaving residents and officials alike searching for answers. The Rockland County government promises to keep the community informed as developments unfold.
Social Media Lights Up
While officials investigate the mysterious drones in Rockland County, local personalities and residents have not held back their colorful commentary on the situation. Here’s a lighter take on the phenomenon.
Howard Phillips, Supervisor of the Town of Haverstraw, channeled his inner science fiction fan, declaring:
“Invaders from Mars!”
An anonymous local official, issued a less intergalactic and far more territorial warning:
“The Cove Boys are locked and loaded. Any drones entering Stony Point will be immediately shot down!”
From the business world of Rockland, a very prominent but anonymous Rockland businessman with great influence, cryptically contributed the following:
“No sir. I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
Another local businessperson, who owns two companies and wished to also remain anonymous for fear of reprisals from local Facebook community groups, said “The worst thing about the drone invasion is that I’m forced to watch Jake Tapper on CNN”
Tito Wilson, drummer for the classic rock band Electric Beef, said “I wish I saw one. Also, I kinda wish NOBODY saw one……..as in………I wish it didn’t happen. If it ain’t a prank, we should all be worried.”
Meanwhile, Web Developer, Podcaster and Comic Book creator Michael Dolce of MBD Studios and Secrets of the Sire, added a pop culture twist to the mix, musing:
“Isn’t this how Independence Day started?”
Residents can rest easy knowing that Jeff Goldblum isn’t tracking aliens in Rockland just yet.
Finally, some have speculated on what the drones might actually be up to, with theories ranging from “Uber for birds” to “AI that got lost looking for Route 202.” One imaginative Nyack resident suggested that the drones were attempting to use the free WiFi from coffee shops, while a Suffern farmer pondered if they were mapping local pumpkin fields for next October’s harvest rush.