The skies over the tristate area have become a source of intrigue and anxiety as mysterious drones continue to buzz through New Jersey and New York, raising questions and concerns among residents and officials alike.
The latest theories about these sightings have gained attention, with notable figures like podcast host Joe Rogan weighing in on the puzzling phenomenon.
John Ferguson, CEO of a Kansas-based remote aircraft system company, shared his perspective in a TikTok video that quickly gained traction.
Ferguson suggested the drones might be “smelling” for substances on the ground, such as gas leaks or radioactive material.
“The only reason why you would ever fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you’re looking for something,” Ferguson explained, emphasizing that his theory is speculative and based on his professional expertise.
While Ferguson stopped short of declaring his ideas as definitive, his theory struck a chord online.
“So my belief is they’re trying to smell something on the ground — gas leaks, radioactive material, whatever,” he said, acknowledging that his opinion had not been validated by others in his field.

“If you think it’s bulls–t, whatever, that’s cool. I don’t want to spread misinformation, as we know that there’s a lot of that going around.”
Ferguson’s remarks caught the attention of Joe Rogan, who expressed his unease about the situation after watching the video.
“This is the first video about these drones that has got me genuinely concerned,” Rogan wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday. His reaction is particularly notable, given his previous skepticism about official explanations regarding the drone sightings.
The U.S. government has downplayed the mysterious drone activity, with White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby asserting that many sightings are either manned aircraft mistaken for drones or simply not a public safety concern.
Similarly, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed the issue during an interview with ABC News, suggesting that relaxed regulations allowing drones to operate at night have contributed to the uptick in sightings.
“Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones,” Mayorkas said. “Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones.
And we do see duplicative reporting.” He reassured the public that DHS has deployed personnel and technology to monitor the situation.
“If there is any reason for concern, if we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American people accordingly,” he added. So far, Mayorkas noted, no such concerns have been identified.
Despite these assurances, skepticism persists, particularly as sightings continue to flood in. Political leaders across party lines have been vocal about the need for more transparency and action.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called on federal agencies to use radar technology to pinpoint the source of the drone swarms.

Schumer, along with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Andy Kim (D-NJ), penned a letter to the FBI, DHS, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) demanding a clear explanation of what is being done to address the issue.
The ongoing drone mystery has sparked a wide range of theories, from the mundane to the alarming. Some speculate that the devices are being used for surveillance, while others suggest commercial or scientific purposes, such as infrastructure inspections or environmental monitoring.
Ferguson’s hypothesis about drones sniffing out harmful substances adds a new layer to the debate, particularly given the sophistication required for such operations.
While the federal government continues to investigate, the public remains on edge. The lack of definitive answers fuels speculation, and the call for transparency grows louder.
For now, the drones remain an enigma in the skies, their purpose unclear but their presence undeniable.
As the phenomenon unfolds, it highlights the need for clear communication and effective regulation in an age where drone technology is becoming increasingly accessible and advanced.
Whether the sightings turn out to be harmless or something more concerning, the mysterious drones serve as a reminder of the evolving challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems.
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