U.S. lawmakers from New Jersey have joined the frustration of many residents over dozens of reports of drones flying near sensitive areas, including military research facilities, in recent weeks, and are now calling the federal agency. We call for immediate assistance in investigating and addressing this growing problem.
Rep. Chris Smith, RN.J., will join his district's law enforcement leaders on Long Beach Island on Monday to lead an effort to investigate the sources of drone activity and potential risks associated with it. He was one of the important people.
“I am working with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardi, Monmouth County Sheriff Sean Golden, and other national security officials in the region to confirm the “We have been discussing extensive reports of drone activity,” Smith said. In a statement. “Understandably, New Jersey residents are extremely alarmed by this serious and recurring phenomenon, and the lukewarm response from state and federal agencies to date is completely unacceptable. Last year's Chinese spy balloon As we have seen, our most vicious enemies will stop at nothing to monitor our homeland and threaten our national security.”
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The drone was spotted over North Jersey this month. (Nicholas Lordi)
The FBI has been investigating reports of mysterious nighttime drone flights that began occurring last month in central New Jersey and has since appealed to the public for assistance. Since the call, residents have reported seeing drones in other parts of the state.
Gov. Phil Murphy said there were 49 reports of drones on Sunday alone, most of them in Hunterdon County. The Democratic governor said that number includes possible sightings and the possibility that the same drone has been reported multiple times.
“This is something we take very seriously. I don't blame people for being frustrated,” Murphy said.
New Jersey state leaders tell DHS that unusual drone sightings have been reported over New York.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (Spencer Pratt/Getty Images/File)
Who is operating the drone and why is both a mystery, but federal and state officials continue to say there is no known risk or threat to public safety.
But Smith said that while the source of the drone activity has not yet been determined, communication channels among authorities, including law enforcement officials and federal partners, must be “fundamentally improved” to quickly resolve unmanned aircraft system challenges. He said it was necessary to do so.
“The people of New Jersey have the right to swift and bold action on the part of state and federal agencies to promptly investigate, assess and address the situation and alleviate the growing concerns of our communities.” Smith he said, adding that he had made inquiries and reported the sighting to multiple federal agencies. “I will continue to work 24 hours a day to ensure law enforcement has all the tools and authority they need to identify these unmanned aircraft systems, and until New Jersey residents get the comprehensive answers they deserve. We will continue to work on this system.”
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New Jersey Drone Sightings Map (Fox & Friends/Screenshot)
Similarly, Rep. Tom Keene (RN.J.) expressed frustration with the lack of urgency surrounding unmanned drones over the Garden State.
“I join thousands of New Jersey residents in their deep frustration with growing concerns about drones flying in our skies,” Keene said. “The safety and privacy of our residents is a top priority, and both are now at risk. “I am exposed to it,” he wrote. X. “I call on the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other appropriate federal agencies to commit more resources to investigating and addressing this growing problem.”
“Additionally, a detailed public briefing by the authorities should be held immediately,” he added. “The people of New Jersey deserve answers, and I will continue to demand accountability to ensure their rights and safety are fully protected.”
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Drones are legal for recreational and commercial use in New Jersey, but are subject to local government and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and flight restrictions.
Drone operators must also be FAA certified.
Most of the drones seen over New Jersey were reportedly larger than those used by hobbyists.
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The flight raised some questions and concerns because it took place near Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Trump's Bedminster golf course.
The FBI is asking residents to share videos, photos, and other relevant information from the flight.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
