Joe Rogan has expressed “genuine concern” over mysterious drone sightings reported in New Jersey and parts of New York. The podcast host shared his thoughts on Sunday, 15 December, after viewing a video speculating that the unmanned aircraft might be detecting harmful substances.
A detailed TikTok video features John Fergusonthe CEO of a remote aircraft system company in Kansas, suggesting that the drones could be attempting to detect a gas leak, radioactive material, or some other substance on the ground. “The only reason to fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you’re searching for something,” Ferguson stated in the clip. He clarified, however, that he does not believe the drones have a malicious purpose.
“So my belief is they’re trying to smell something on the ground – gas leak, radioactive material, whatever,” Ferguson said, emphasising that his theory was his own and had not been corroborated. “If you think it’s rubbish, that’s fine. I don’t want to spread misinformation, as we know there’s a lot of that about,” he added.
Joe Rogan says he is ‘genuinely concerned’
Ferguson’s explanation seemed to strike a chord with Rogan, who shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter). “This is the first video about these drones that has got me genuinely concerned,” Rogan wrote.
In contrast, the White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby previously assured the public that the drones did not pose a threat to safety. Rogan, however, dismissed the US government’s statements as “suspicious.” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas similarly downplayed concerns, stating, “Some of these drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are often mistaken for drones. We also see instances of duplicated reporting.”
Theories about the purpose of the drones have abounded since the sightings began. An expert speaking to Fox Business speculated that a hostile foreign entity might be using the drones to divert the attention of federal and local authorities from other nefarious activities. Former President Donald Trump suggested that officials know more about the situation than they are revealing and called for the drones to be shot down.
The mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey have captured public attention for weeks, with reports describing unusual nighttime activities by unmanned aerial vehicles. Authorities and eyewitnesses have reported sightings of up to 50 drones at a time, often described as moving in coordinated patterns. These drones have been seen in multiple counties across New Jersey, including Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties, and have even been reported in parts of eastern Pennsylvania and New York.
The sightings first gained prominence when a New Jersey police officer observed a swarm of approximately 50 drones appearing to come off the ocean. Despite attempts by local authorities, including state police and the Coast Guard, to investigate, the drones evaded detection, leaving no heat signatures and no traceable signals. Concerns escalated when 13 drones were reported shadowing a Coast Guard vessel, prompting further investigations by the FBI and Homeland Security.
Theories About the Drones’ Purpose
Several theories have emerged to explain the phenomena:
1. Monitoring Environmental Hazards
John Ferguson, a drone technology expert, posited that the drones might be equipped with advanced sensors designed to “smell” for hazardous substances such as gas leaks, radioactive materials, or other environmental contaminants. Ferguson’s theory, while speculative, aligns with the drones’ observed behavior of flying low over areas with critical infrastructure.
2. Experimental or Classified Technology
Some experts and commentators suggest that the drones could be part of classified military or industrial testing programs. Given the drones’ ability to avoid detection and their apparent coordination, it’s possible they are utilizing advanced technology, potentially from a defense contractor or government agency.
3. Foreign Surveillance
Concerns about foreign involvement have also been raised, particularly due to the strategic importance of the tristate area. Some theorists suggest the drones could be part of a surveillance operation by a foreign nation, targeting critical infrastructure or gathering intelligence.
4. Commercial or Private Use
Officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, have downplayed the mystery, citing relaxed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that allow drones to operate at night. According to this theory, the drones might be part of legal operations, such as mapping or research, but have been mistaken for something more alarming.
5. Illegal or Criminal Activity
Other speculations suggest the drones might be used for illicit purposes, such as smuggling contraband or monitoring law enforcement activities. However, no direct evidence has emerged to support this claim.
6. UFO and Extraterrestrial Speculation
As with many unexplained aerial phenomena, some have turned to UFO theories, suggesting the drones could be of extraterrestrial origin. While this is widely regarded as the least plausible explanation, it continues to fuel speculation on social media.
Public Reaction and Government Response
The sightings have left residents unnerved, with social media ablaze with theories and concerns. Joe Rogan’s reaction reflects a broader public sentiment of skepticism toward official explanations. Earlier, Rogan criticized the US government for being dismissive, calling their assurances “sus” (suspicious).
Authorities have taken a measured approach, stating that many sightings are likely misidentified manned aircraft or benign drones operating within legal bounds. However, they have also deployed additional resources to investigate, acknowledging the need for transparency if any foreign or criminal activity is discovered.
Calls for Action
The mystery has spurred calls from lawmakers and officials for stricter drone regulations and counter-drone measures. President-elect Donald Trump, echoing public frustration, suggested shooting the drones down, although this has sparked debates about legality and safety. The drone saga continues to evolve, leaving more questions than answers as investigations proceed. Meanwhile, residents in the affected areas remain vigilant, and theories about the true nature of the drones persist.
