The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an urgent probe following the theft of 15 specialized drones from a commercial facility in New Jersey. These high-tech aircraft were specifically designed for industrial chemical spraying and possess significant payload capacities.
Law enforcement officials are treating the incident as a high-priority national security threat due to the potential for the drones to be repurposed. Authorities fear that the stolen technology could be used to disperse biological or chemical agents over densely populated urban centers.
FBI Director Kash Patel has described the current situation as a "nightmare scenario" for domestic counter-terrorism efforts. He noted that the drones are capable of carrying heavy liquid loads and can be programmed to fly autonomously over specific GPS coordinates.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation as federal agencies coordinate with local New Jersey police to track the missing equipment. The White House emphasized that all necessary resources are being deployed to recover the drones before they can be utilized for harm.
No suspects have been identified in connection with the heist, which occurred under the cover of darkness earlier this week. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the facility and surrounding areas to identify any leads.
Security experts warn that the precision of these drones makes them particularly dangerous if they fall into the hands of extremist groups. The ability to spray fine mists from high altitudes allows for a wide distribution of substances that could affect thousands of people.
The commercial facility from which the drones were taken has been temporarily shuttered while federal agents conduct a forensic sweep of the premises. Employees are being interviewed to determine if the theft was an inside job or a sophisticated external breach.
Public health officials in the tri-state area remain on high alert as the search for the missing aerial vehicles intensifies. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious drone activity or information regarding the theft to the FBI’s tip line immediately.
This breach highlights a growing concern regarding the security of dual-use technologies that serve both commercial and potentially lethal purposes. The investigation remains ongoing as the Trump administration works around the clock to mitigate this unprecedented domestic threat.