Gov. Murphy understands residents' 'frustration' over North Jersey ...

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FBI investigating dozens of nighttime drone sightings in New Jersey

Drones were reported flying over New Jersey communities at night. FBI and local authorities assure that there is no known threat to public safety.

Mysterious drones that have taken to New Jersey skies for weeks are sophisticated enough to "go dark" once they are spotted, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday amid growing pressure from lawmakers to address the unusual activity.

Murphy, responding to reporters' questions following the signing of a new law in Princeton, for the first time gave an unusual detail of the suspicious unmanned aerial vehicles that first appeared over Morris County in mid-November and have led to an investigation by the nation's top officials.

Residents who have reported the low, "car-sized" objects have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, with Murphy stating that he "doesn't blame" people for the lack of answers.

"This is something we're taking deadly seriously," Murphy said over the rising fears among some residents, adding that while there has been "good cooperation out of the feds," he is pleading for more.

Related: North Jersey mayors demand action from NJ, feds on flurry of drone sightings

Over recent weeks, drones have been spotted flying over important infrastructure, like reservoirs, power lines and railroads, in backyards and over highways. Some have reported seeing them fly in groups, emit a humming noise and hover overhead. The drones prompted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to impose flight restrictions at Picatinny Arsenal, a military research facility in Rockaway and Jefferson townships, and a golf club in Bedminster owned and frequented by President-elect Donald Trump.

State and local officials have said the drones do not pose any threat to the public. Murphy reiterated on Monday that he doesn't see "any concern for public safety."

"It's really frustrating that we don't have more answers as to where they're coming from and why they're doing what they're doing," Murphy added.

While Murphy said there were 49 purported drone sightings on Sunday — 20 in Hunterdon County — he acknowledged that it was likely overstated, with some possibly mistaken for airplanes or having been double-counted.

Murphy said he was at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Sunday "pretty much all day" to discuss the ongoing situation, and said he is "hoping we'll get answers sooner rather than later," urging residents to continue to report sightings to the FBI and local law enforcement.

Rumored 'crashed' drones in NJ

Rumors of drones having crashed in backyards and nearby fields that have seemingly increased on social media are unfounded as of Monday, Murphy said.

"We're not aware of any nefarious drone that has crashed, or if there is one that's crashed, could someone please call me and let know where it is?" Murphy said.

Murphy said he had heard of several crashed drones, but said one was discovered to be a "toy" drone and another that was never discovered.

How do I report drone activity?

• Report to the FBI tip website, via phone at 800-CALL-FBI or to local law enforcement.

Email: lcomstock@njherald.com; Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH or on Facebook.