US lawmakers New Jersey joined many residents’ frustrations over dozens of reports of drones being flown near sensitive locations such as a military research facility in recent weeks, and they are now calling on federal agencies to immediately help investigate and address the escalating problem.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., joined law enforcement leaders in his district Monday on Long Beach Island as one of the key figures leading efforts to identify the source and potential risks of drone activity to research.
“I have spoken with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and national security officials in the area to discuss the widespread reports of unidentified drone activity in my central New Jersey congressional district and across our state,” Smith said. in a statement. “New Jerseyans are understandably deeply concerned about this important and recurring phenomenon – and the lukewarm response from our state and federal agencies to date is completely unacceptable. As we saw last year with the Chinese spy balloon, our fiercest adversaries will stop at nothing. to police our homeland and threaten our national security.”
This drone was spotted over North Jersey this month. (Nicholas Lordi)
The The FBI investigated reports of several mysterious nighttime drone flights that occurred in central New Jersey last month, and the agency has since asked the public for help. Since making the call, residents have reported seeing drones in other parts of the state.
According to Gov. Phil MurphyOn Sunday alone, there were 49 reports of drones, mostly in Hunterdon County. The Democratic governor said his numbers include possible sightings and that the same drone may be reported more than once.
“This is something we take deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated,” Murphy said.
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/File)
Who controls the drones and why are both mysteries, though 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 yet to be determined, communication channels between authorities, including law enforcement officials and federal partners, must be “dramatically improved” to quickly meet the challenges with unmanned aerial systems.
“The people of New Jersey deserve swift and bold action on the part of our state and federal agencies to immediately investigate, assess and address the situation and address our community’s growing concerns,” Smith said, adding that he made inquiries. to multiple federal agencies about the observations. “I will continue to work around the clock to ensure that law enforcement has all the resources and authorities necessary to identify these unmanned aerial systems until the people of New Jersey get the comprehensive answers they deserve.”
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Drone sighting map of New Jersey (Fox & Friends/Screen Recording)
Similarly, Rep. Tom Kean, RN.J., also expressed frustration with the lack of urgency surrounding the unmanned drones above the Garden State.
“I join thousands of New Jersey residents who are deeply frustrated by the growing concerns about drones operating in our airspace. The safety and privacy of our residents must be a top priority, and right now both are being compromised,” Kean wrote. “
“In addition, an in-depth public briefing from the authorities should take place 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 in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, although they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and flight restrictions.
Drone operators must also be FAA certified.
The majority of drones spotted over New Jersey were reportedly larger than those used by hobbyists.
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Some questions and concerns were raised about the flights because they took place near the Picatinny Arsenal, a US military research and production facility, and also over President-elect Trump’s Bedminster Golf Course.
The FBI is asking residents to share any video or photos they have of the flights, along with other relevant information.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
