State leaders call on federal authorities to provide more information, resources regarding mysterious drones

The continued sightings have New Jersey’s elected leaders agreeing that it's time to intercept or shoot down these drones.

Chris Keating

Dec 13, 2024, 10:36 PM

Updated 13 days ago

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There is still no answer as to who is flying drones in the skies over New Jersey. Yet sightings continue in many neighborhoods and even over military installations around the state.
The continued sightings have New Jersey’s elected leaders agreeing that it's time to intercept or shoot down these drones.
Officials within Naval Weapons Station Earle in Leonardo confirmed on Friday “multiple instances” of unidentified drones entering their airspace.
“The base remains prepared to respond to any potential risks, leveraging robust security measures and advanced detection capabilities,” officials stated, adding that, “No direct threats to the installation have been identified.”
But that’s enough for some who say action needs to be taken.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Drones Over New Jersey
“We want more assets here on the ground here in New Jersey. More equipment and now is the time to bring one of these things down,” says Republican state Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, who lives in Point Pleasant Beach. “I saw seven over my own hometown of Point Pleasant Beach over the Manasquan River…A Coast Guard cutter and their crew confirmed that there were about 12 drones that were following it and harassing their crew.”
The concern crosses party lines. Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer suggests the drones should be taken down if they are hovering over critical areas like reservoirs, bases or police stations.
Gottheimer says that once they are taken down, then it can be determined what the drones are and where they are from.
To this point, the Pentagon has said that the drones are not the work of foreign adversaries.
“There is not any truth to that. There is no Iranian shop off the coast of the United States and there is no so-called ‘mother ship’ launching drones toward the United States,” said Department of Defense Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
The National Security Council responded that there’s no evidence these drones pose a threat, stating that many are being operated lawfully.
But Gov. Phil Murphy has penned a letter to President Joe Biden asking for more involvement.
“New Jersey residents deserve more concrete information about these U.S. sightings and what is causing them,” Murphy wrote.
He asked for Congress to give local police, not just the FBI, permission to counter these drones.
Local Police are taking this seriously, many departments are telling the public to alert them if they see drones overhead.
The FBI also asks that residents share any videos or photos they may have of the flights, along with any other relevant information by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting a tip online.