Federal officials dismissed claims on Wednesday that unidentified drones seen in New Jersey are being operated from an Iranian “mothership” located off the East Coast.
Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey made the assertion during an appearance on Fox News, alleging that sources indicated these drones were launched from an Iranian vessel. He stated, “Iran launched a mothership probably about a month ago that contains these drones,” and suggested the drones should be intercepted, regardless of their origin.
However, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh firmly rejected these statements, clarifying, “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.” Singh confirmed that there is no supporting evidence tying these drones to foreign adversaries and assured that U.S. officials are actively monitoring the situation.
On the same day, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden urged New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to impose a state of emergency and to prohibit nighttime recreational drone usage. He noted that residents are increasingly concerned about the rise in drone activity after dark, which has raised safety and security issues within the community. Sheriff Golden stressed the urgency for action, calling on both state and federal lawmakers to take steps to address the situation.
This article highlights an important exchange between elected officials and federal authorities concerning safety and security in the wake of unidentified drone sightings. While the situation may seem alarming, it’s encouraging to see officials taking serious measures to ensure public safety. Additionally, this dialogue reflects a proactive approach by local authorities and could pave the way for clearer regulations on drone usage, ultimately contributing to enhanced community safety.