Belleville Mayor Michael Melham has sparked public concern by suggesting that the unexplained drone activity across New Jersey could be connected to missing radioactive material. His remarks come amid growing speculation and mounting frustration over the federal government’s lack of clarity regarding the mysterious sightings.
During an interview on Fox 5’s Good Day New York, Melham revealed that drones have been seen flying in grid-like patterns over Belleville, located in Essex County. He hinted the unusual behavior could be part of a search operation.
“What might they be looking for? Maybe that’s radioactive material,” Melham speculated, linking the activity to a recent incident involving a missing radioactive shipment.
The concern stems from an alert issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which reported that a shipment containing radioactive material went missing earlier this month. The NRC described the missing item as an Eckert & Ziegler HEGL-0132 model, a tool commonly used in PET scanners to calibrate medical imaging equipment for cancer patients.
The equipment, which originated from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield, Gloucester County, was declared “lost in transit” on December 2. Upon arrival at its destination, the container was found damaged and empty.
The device contains a small amount of Germanium-68, a radioactive chemical classified as a “pin source.” While the NRC reassured the public that the radiation level is minimal—falling below Category 3 on the International Atomic Energy Agency scale—it has done little to quell speculation.
In recent weeks, reports of mysterious drones have flooded the tri-state area, particularly in northern New Jersey. The drones, observed flying at night in grid-like patterns, have fueled theories that they may be part of an effort to locate the lost radioactive material.
John Ferguson, CEO of a Kansas-based drone technology company, weighed in on the matter in a viral video posted to X (formerly Twitter). Ferguson speculated the drones could be searching for a gas leak, radioactive material, or something similar.
“The only reason why you would ever fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you’re looking for something,” Ferguson stated, adding that he does not believe the drones pose any immediate danger to the public.
The video has since garnered millions of views, drawing widespread attention, including from podcast host Joe Rogan. Rogan, who shared Ferguson’s video on his own account, admitted the footage left him “very concerned” about the drones.
“This is the first video about these drones that has got me genuinely concerned,” Rogan wrote.
As speculation spreads, federal agencies have begun to address the issue more directly. The FBI, alongside the Department of Homeland Security and other federal entities, issued a joint statement on Monday confirming they have received over 5,000 tips regarding drone activity. Of those, approximately 100 cases have warranted further investigation.
The statement suggested that many sightings could be attributed to commercial drones, hobbyists, or law enforcement operations. Some reports, it added, were simple misidentifications of manned aircraft, helicopters, or even stars mistaken for drones.
“Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the statement read.
Despite the reassurances, many residents and lawmakers remain skeptical, pressing for greater transparency. The continued drone sightings have been reported for over a month, leaving many unanswered questions.
The Biden administration has sought to downplay the situation, with White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterating that there is no credible public safety threat.
“Our assessment is that this is lawful, legal, commercial, hobbyist, and even law enforcement aircraft activity. Some of it’s manned, some of it’s unmanned,” Kirby stated.
Nevertheless, federal agencies appear to be ramping up their response. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI announced they are deploying advanced drone detection systems and infrared cameras to assess the extent of the drone activity and determine whether it poses any credible threat.
Mayor Melham’s suggestion of a connection between the missing radioactive equipment and the drones has only intensified public concern. Residents worry that the ongoing drone activity, coupled with federal agencies’ vague explanations, points to something more serious.
While officials continue to assure the public that the amount of radioactive material lost poses no significant risk, skepticism persists—fueled by social media speculation and growing distrust in the official narrative.
The investigation remains active as local and federal authorities attempt to determine the purpose behind the drone sightings and resolve concerns about the missing radioactive shipment. For now, many New Jersey residents are left with more questions than answers, as theories about the drones and radioactive material continue to dominate public discussion.
