SOUTH JERSEY (AP/ KYW Newsradio) — More public officials are demanding answers about unidentified drones that have been reported roaming over New Jersey and south into greater Philadelphia in the last few weeks.
The FBI has been investigating reports about the mysterious nighttime drone flights that started occurring last month across central New Jersey. 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.
It’s unclear who is piloting the drones and why, but federal and state officials have repeatedly stressed that there is no known threat to public safety.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew in an appearance on Fox News said sources told him the drones are coming from an Iranian ship in the Atlantic.
During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said he was on Long Beach Island Monday night with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy, who told him they observed about 50 drones come in from the Atlantic Ocean.
“Understandably, New Jersey residents are very alarmed at this significant and reoccurring phenomenon, and the tepid response from our state and federal agencies so far is totally unacceptable,” Smith said. “The people of New Jersey deserve swift and bold action on the part of our state and federal agencies to investigate, assess, and address the situation immediately and to alleviate the growing concerns of our community.”
Smith said he also spoke with Coast Guard officials at the beach, who told him one of their 47-foot boats was followed “by between 12 and 30 of these drones as they went through the water.”
He questioned why the Coast Guard didn’t respond with force.
“Bring one of these down,” he said. “Find out who’s doing it.” Smith was told the Coast Guard has the ability but not the authority to shoot one down.
New Jersey state Sen. Jon Bramnick added in a statement, “Unfortunately the State of New Jersey has very little information regarding the drones being seen. The Department of Defense must investigate and until that occurs we must shut down the airspace to drones. That would require a limited state of emergency and FAA cooperation.”
Border Patrol and FBI officials testified at the hearing that drone usage is up near the southern border and other sensitive locations across the country. Although they didn’t have many answers about what’s happening in New Jersey, they said Congress needs to quickly reauthorize drone enforcement legislation — and possibly expand the scope of that law — before it expires later this month.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, of neighboring Bucks County, Pennsylvania, also called for immediate action. He said in a statement that he is “taking proactive steps to safeguard our public safety and national security.”
“I am actively coordinating with federal law enforcement agencies and have requested a classified briefing to receive a comprehensive understanding of these incidents,” he said. “This is not a time for complacency — it is a time for action and accountability.
“While initial briefings indicate no immediate threat to public safety, I take seriously the legitimate concerns of my constituents, our neighbors in New Jersey, and the broader American public. I am calling on our federal agencies to immediately increase resources dedicated to investigating this escalating issue and to deliver a thorough public briefing.”
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 FBI asks that residents share any videos or photos they may have of the flights, along with any other relevant information.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.