As the mystery surrounding various unexplained sightings continues, former Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan said Thursday night that “dozens of large drones” were seen flying over his home in Davidsonville, Maryland. He said he personally witnessed it.
“Last night, beginning around 9:45 p.m., I personally witnessed what appeared to be dozens of large drones over my residence in Davidsonville, Maryland (40 miles from our nation's capital). and videotaped),” Hogan wrote. ×Friday. I observed the activity for about 45 minutes.
The former governor said he doesn't know whether these drone sightings are evidence of a threat to public safety or national security, but that the federal government is “fully transparent” in the face of Americans' concerns. “It lacks,” he criticized.
Larry Hogan (right) and apparently part of a drone (left). (Larry Hogan and The Associated Press)
Drone mystery baffles New Jersey officials and frustrates residents
“While the government has the ability to trace problems from the source, they have been negligent in their response. People rightly want answers, but they are not getting any,” Hogan wrote.
“We know that the White House, the military, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security have no idea who they are, where they come from, who is launching or controlling them, and they pose a threat. It is said that there is no.
“That response is completely unacceptable. I join a growing chorus of bipartisan leaders calling for the federal government to address this issue immediately. The American people deserve answers and action now.”
Hogan posted a two-minute video of what he saw, but it was difficult to make out what the object was.
Since mid-November, New Jersey has been on high alert after a series of sightings of unidentified drones near U.S. military facilities and over residences.
Apparently drones have also been seen in New York City and three US air bases in the UK.
John Kirby, the White House National Security Advisor, said many purported drone sightings are actually legally operated manned aircraft that pose a threat to national security or public safety. He said there was no evidence to show that.
Frustrated by inadequate government responses, residents are taking matters into their own hands and threatening to shoot themselves. Both parties have criticized the government's handling of the situation.
New Jersey Congressman Paul Kanitra took photos of what appeared to be multiple drones hovering in the skies over New Jersey on Thursday, December 13th. (Paul Kanitra/“Fox News @ Night”)
We are vulnerable to drone attacks and things will get worse
Sen. Cory Booker (D.N.J.) said Thursday on Capitol Hill that he is “frustrated” by the government's lack of transparency.
The senator said he issued the letter requesting more information because Americans should be aware of what is happening in the skies.
“I'm a little frustrated,” he told reporters. “There's not enough transparency to let people know what's going on. That's spreading a lot of potential misinformation, or at least fear. We don't know what's going on in the skies. you need to know.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called on President Biden to direct more federal resources to get to the bottom of numerous drone sightings across the Garden State in recent weeks.
Murphy noted that federal law limits state and local law enforcement's ability to combat drones, but said the federal government has the authority to shoot down mysterious drones.
In a separate letter to Congressional leaders, Murphy urged lawmakers to pass legislation that would empower local governments to use advanced detection and mitigation technology to combat drone activity.
“The emerging threats posed by UAS flights, combined with the inability of state and local law enforcement agencies to meaningfully engage with UAS flights, are cause for concern,” Murphy wrote.
Photo taken on Sunday, December 8, 2024 in the Bayshore neighborhood of Toms River. What appears to be a large drone is seen hovering over the New Jersey area at high altitude. The drone appeared to be well above the 400 feet height allowed by FAA regulations. (Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)
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The FAA said it was investigating the reported sighting and also issued temporary flight restrictions for the airspace around Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.
“We investigate all reports of unauthorized drone operations and investigate as appropriate,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Drone operators who engage in dangerous maneuvers that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could be fined up to $75,000. Additionally, the drone operator’s pilot license could be suspended. Or you can cancel it.”
FOX News' Luis Casiano contributed to this report.
