The ongoing mystery surrounding drone sightings in the New Jersey and New York area has taken a new turn, capturing the attention of podcast giant Joe Rogan. Rogan expressed “genuine concern” after viewing a TikTok video by John Ferguson, CEO of a remote aircraft systems company, proposing a unique theory about the unmanned aerial vehicles.
Ferguson, in his detailed TikTok video posted on Saturday, suggested that the drones might be using their technology to “smell” something on the ground. He speculated that they could be detecting gas leaks, radioactive material, or some other substance of interest.
“The only reason why you would ever fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you’re looking for something,” Ferguson stated in his TikTok, emphasizing that he doesn’t believe the drones are engaged in any malicious activity. He clarified his theory, saying, “So my belief is they’re trying to smell something on the ground — gas leaks, radioactive material, whatever.”
Ferguson admitted his theory was speculative, based on his industry expertise but not vetted by others. “I’ve not bounced this off anybody,” he confessed in the video, acknowledging the potential for his idea to be dismissed. “So 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,” he added in his John Ferguson TikTok explanation.
Despite his caveats, Ferguson’s theory resonated online, most notably with Joe Rogan. Rogan, who has been following the drone sightings that have perplexed residents in New Jersey and New York for weeks, shared his reaction on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
“This is the first video about these drones that has got me genuinely concerned,” Rogan wrote, indicating that John Ferguson’s TikTok explanation had made a significant impact.
This reaction marks a shift from Rogan’s previous stance. He had previously voiced skepticism towards government assurances that the drones posed no public safety threat. After White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby downplayed the drone sightings, suggesting many were misidentified manned aircraft, Rogan publicly called the government claims “sus.”
Reported drone sightings continue to worry residents in New Jersey and New York.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also addressed the drone situation on Sunday, attributing some sightings to relaxed FAA regulations allowing nighttime drone flights. “Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones,” Mayorkas acknowledged. “Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones. And we do see duplicative reporting.”
Mayorkas assured the public that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is actively monitoring the situation. “We have deployed personnel and technology and 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 stated in an interview with ABC News. “Right now, we are not aware of any. If we become aware of any, we will communicate accordingly and take appropriate action,” Mayorkas added.
Drones have been seen over New Jersey skies.
The ongoing drone sightings have spurred action from political figures as well. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with other senators, has urged federal agencies like the FBI, DHS, and FAA to investigate the source of these incursions and deploy radar technology to better identify the unmanned aircraft.
As the mystery continues, John Ferguson’s TikTok theory has injected a new layer of intrigue, capturing the attention of influential voices like Joe Rogan and prompting further discussion about the true purpose behind the drones over New Jersey and New York.
