NEW YORK (1010 WINS) –As mysterious drone flights continue to appear over sensitive sites and residential areas in New Jersey, local officials and members of Congress are expressing frustration over the lack of answers from federal agencies.
The FBI admitted during a congressional hearing on Tuesday that it still has little information about the drones, some reportedly as large as small cars, and no clear idea of who is behind them or their purpose.
“You’re telling me we don’t know what the hell these drones in New Jersey are?” asked U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) during the hearing.
“That’s correct,” responded Robert Wheeler Jr., assistant director of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group.
“That’s crazy,” Gonzalez replied. “That’s madness.”
“The bureau is actively investigating the unexplained sighting of drone activity over that part of New Jersey, including proximity to sensitive sites and areas of concern,” Wheeler said. “We do not attribute that to an individual or a group yet. We’re investigating, but I don’t have an answer of who’s responsible for that. But we’re actively investigating.”
Some drones have been reported near critical infrastructure and military installations. Gonzalez asked, “Are we concerned that there are nefarious intentions that could cause either national security or a public safety incident that would put Americans at risk?”
“There’s nothing that is known that would lead me to say that—but we just don’t know. And that’s the concerning part,” Wheeler said.
The ongoing drone activity has drawn national attention, with dozens of videos appearing on social media showing the large, unidentified aircraft.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday that the drones don’t appear to pose a public safety concern. While speaking at an unrelated bill signing event in Princeton, Murphy noted there were 49 reports of drones on Sunday, mostly in Hunterdon County.
The Democratic governor said those numbers included possible sightings and potentially the same drone being reported more than once. “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated,” Murphy said.
Local officials are also expressing concerns, including Chief Scott D. Robb of the Warren County Police Chiefs Association. “Even if there is no known threat, the mere presence of unidentified drones is concerning,” Robb said in a statement, calling on state and federal officials to provide answers.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) also urged federal agencies to be more transparent on Tuesday. “They should be getting more information out there,” he told 1010 WINS. “This includes providing an update to the public on what the agency and department are currently doing in response to the increasing sightings of drones in Jersey airspace.”
Local residents have reported sightings as well, with Bay Ridge resident Diane Atkins describing about 10 drones she saw just over the weekend Sunday. “These seem to be not your average hobbyist, you know, size drone,” she told 1010 WINS. “These seem to be military grade.”
The flights initially raised questions in part because they took place near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
Most of the drones have been spotted along coastal areas, and some of the devices were recently spotted over a large reservoir in Clinton. Local residents have taken to social media to share their concerns and sightings, with one Facebook group, New Jersey Mystery Drones - Let’s Solve It, now with over 25,000 members.
For now, the FBI is asking the public to assist in identifying the drones by reporting sightings to 1-800-225-5324 or submitting tips and footage online at www.tips.fbi.gov.
Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Drone operators also must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.