Expert suggests drones could be detecting gas leaks or radioactive material; officials attempt to calm public concerns

New York, NY — The ongoing mystery surrounding drone sightings across the tristate area has left podcaster and television host Joe Rogan “genuinely concerned.” Rogan, known for his outspoken commentary, shared his thoughts on social media after coming across a new theory about the unusual activity.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Joe Rogan posted a TikTok video featuring John Ferguson, CEO of a remote aircraft systems company in Kansas, who proposed that the drones may be “sniffing” for hazardous materials.

“This is the first video about these drones that has got me genuinely concerned,” Joe Rogan wrote, amplifying the theory that has sparked widespread debate among social media users.

The ‘smell’ theory: Expert weighs in

In the viral video, Ferguson explained that the drones’ purpose could be tied to the detection of gas leaks, radioactive substances, or other ground-based anomalies.

“The only reason why you would ever fly an unmanned aircraft at night is if you’re looking for something,” Ferguson said, as reported by The New York Post. He clarified that while the situation appears unsettling, he does not believe the drones are being operated for “nefarious” purposes.

“So my belief is they are trying to smell something on the ground—gas leaks, radioactive material, whatever,” Ferguson said, adding that his assessment was based on professional expertise, though he admitted the theory was speculative.

“I’ve not bounced this off anybody… I don’t want to spread misinformation, as we know that there’s a lot of that going around,” Ferguson added, acknowledging the controversy surrounding the sightings.

Government response: Officials attempt to downplay fears

As theories and speculation continue to gain traction, officials have stepped in to allay public fears. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby previously assured the public that the drones do not pose a safety threat, suggesting many reported sightings were misidentified manned aircraft.

Echoing those sentiments, US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed concerns on Sunday, attributing the increased sightings to relaxed regulations allowing drones to operate at night.

“Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones… Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones,” Mayorkas explained, adding that duplicative reporting has also amplified the issue. He assured the public that authorities were monitoring the situation closely.

“If there is any reason for concern, if we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American people accordingly,” Mayorkas said.

Origins of the mystery: a puzzling rise in sightings

The drone sightings first made headlines when a New Jersey police officer reported approximately 50 drones emerging from the ocean. The drones, which reportedly emitted no heat signatures, alarmed authorities when another group of 13 followed a Coast Guard vessel.

The incident prompted President-elect Donald Trump to take a hardline stance, calling for the drones to be “shot down.”

Since then, reports of drone sightings have expanded across 12 New Jersey counties, eastern Pennsylvania, and parts of New York, fueling speculation ranging from experimental military technology to foreign surveillance.

While authorities maintain that the drones are likely legal and non-threatening, lawmakers are under pressure to introduce countermeasures to address public concerns. In the meantime, the sightings have left communities unsettled, with many, including Joe Rogan, questioning the official narrative.

Theories and debates surrounding drones continue to swirl on social media as experts and officials alike work to unravel the truth behind their sudden and mysterious appearance.