Mysterious flying objects continue to spark concern across tri-state area

Videos of these sightings, including some from neighborhoods in New York City, are raising questions about privacy and safety.

Edric Robinson

Dec 13, 2024, 10:26 PM

Updated 5 days ago

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Mysterious flying objects that some believe to be drones have been spotted across the tri-state area, sparking curiosity and concern among residents. Videos of these sightings, including some from neighborhoods in New York City, are raising questions about privacy and safety.
Richard Valentine, a resident of Belmont in the Bronx, shared video evidence of what he described as large drones flying overhead.
“This thing was huge,” said Valentine. “I’d say it was the size of a Volkswagen Beetle.”
Valentine reported seeing multiple objects over the Bronx last night.
“Three were over this way towards Manhattan, and one was over that way,” he added.
Similar sightings have been reported in Brooklyn. A video from Bay Ridge captured objects flying near the Verrazzano Bridge. Valentine expressed concern about what these mysterious objects could signify.
“It’s kind of scary because we don’t know if it’s an invasion of privacy or some program that somebody is doing that nobody is letting us know about,” he said.
A source close to the Federal Aviation Administration clarified that recreational drone pilots are permitted to operate as long as they follow regulations, which include staying below 400 feet, keeping the drone within sight, and avoiding restricted areas such as airports or controlled airspace.
State police confirmed that there is no credible threat to the area, though officials have suggested that some sightings could simply be planes.
“What I’m scared about, and what I want to know, is why?” said Valentine.
U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis echoed Valentine’s concerns, stating that the surge in drone sightings raises serious questions.
“Something is not right here,” Malliotakis said. “We need our government to give us answers and also put in place restrictions so that this does not continue, and enforce the existing regulations and restrictions.”
The Department of Homeland Security noted that many of the sightings might involve lawful aircraft, and so far, officials have not identified any major safety concerns.