Officials sound alarm over reports of the strange sights—seen over New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania—with one asking for a “limited state of emergency.”

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas offered a possible explanation for the recent uptick of drone encounters along the eastern seaboard—particularly in the skies above New Jersey—which have prompted concern among residents and lawmakers.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the federal government is taking action to address the aerial drones that have prompted concern among New Jersey residents. “There's no question that people are seeing drones,