Federal authorities dismissed assertions on Wednesday that the unidentified drones observed in New Jersey are being launched from an Iranian “mothership.”
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican from New Jersey, made claims during an appearance on Fox News, suggesting that the unidentified flying objects are under the control of Iran, which he believes has deployed a vessel off the East Coast. He mentioned that his information comes from “high sources,” stating, “Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, suggesting that these drones should be “shot down,” regardless of their origin—be it foreign threats or hobbyist pilots.
However, the Pentagon quickly refuted these claims. Sabrina Singh, a spokesperson for the Department of Defense, stated, “There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States.” She also noted that there is no evidence connecting the unknown flying objects to any foreign adversary, and assured that U.S. officials will continue to keep a close watch on the situation.
In related developments, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden suggested that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy should declare a state of emergency by banning recreational drone use at night. He pointed out that increased drone activity after dark has raised safety concerns among residents. Golden urged immediate action from the governor and called for support from the Air National Guard to secure local communities. Additionally, he asked Congress to pass legislation that would empower state police and sheriff’s offices to tackle these drone issues more effectively.
This situation highlights the growing concern over unidentified aerial phenomena and the need for coordinated responses to ensure public safety. It underscores the importance of clear communication from federal entities to dispel misinformation and reassure citizens about their safety.
While the speculation about foreign threats can cause anxiety, the prompt denial by the Pentagon reminds us that not all mysterious occurrences are linked to nefarious activities. Moving forward, it will be essential for state and federal officials to work together to manage drone activity and protect communities.
In summary, while initial claims regarding drones’ origins raised alarm, officials are actively addressing public concerns about safety and ensuring accurate information is conveyed. This collaborative effort can foster greater community safety and trust in local leadership.