As sightings of mysterious drones continue to be reported in more than a dozen New Jersey counties, residents and elected officials are frustrated over the lack of information about the objects.
The mystery of the unidentified drones prompted a congressional hearing Tuesday, where federal officials noted that agencies are unsure whether the drones pose a threat, despite repeated assurances from Gov. Phil Murphy and local law enforcement.
“The bureau is actively investigating the unexplained sighting of drones … including proximity to sensitive sites and areas of concern,” Robert Wheeler Jr., assistant director of the Critical Incident Response Group for the FBI, said during the Tuesday hearing. “We’re investigating but I don’t have an answer of who’s responsible…” Wheeler noted that the FBI can confirm the drones are not coming from local military bases, adding there’s no reason to believe the drones are dangerous, but no one can say definitively.
During the hearing, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) said a Coast Guard official told him about a dozen drones were recently spotted following one of their ships offshore of Island Beach State Park.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd) released a statement suggesting that the mysterious drones are linked to an Iranian “mothership.” On Wednesday, the congressman sent a letter to President Biden urging immediate action to eliminate the threat of drones by imposing flight restrictions.
A Pentagon deputy press secretary said there is no evidence that the drones are the work of a foreign entity or adversary.
Sen. Cory Booker sent a letter asking the Department of Homeland Security, FBI and other agencies for a briefing and calling for the public release of any available information.
