Federal authorities have firmly dismissed allegations that recent sightings of mysterious drones in New Jersey are linked to an Iranian “mothership.”
Representative Jeff Van Drew, a Republican from New Jersey, suggested on a Fox News segment that these unidentified flying objects are being deployed from an Iranian vessel positioned off the East Coast, claiming he received information from “high sources.” Van Drew expressed concern about these drones, asserting that they should be neutralized regardless of their origins, whether from a foreign entity or hobbyist operators.
In response, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh strongly rejected Van Drew’s assertions, stating, “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 emphasized that there was no evidence linking the enigmatic flying objects to foreign adversaries, assuring the public that U.S. officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
Additionally, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden urged New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to formally declare a state of emergency and impose an executive order prohibiting recreational drone operations at night. Sheriff Golden highlighted the growing anxiety among residents regarding nighttime drone activities, underscoring the importance of immediate action to enhance public safety and security. He also called for Congress to expedite federal legislation granting local law enforcement the authority to tackle this issue effectively.
This incident shines a light on the challenges that local communities face with increasing drone activity, particularly regarding safety and privacy concerns. Officials are actively working to address these issues, which is a positive step towards maintaining community security.
In summary, while the claims about an Iranian mothership have been debunked, the situation reflects growing public interest and concern about drone usage, prompting local and federal authorities to take proactive measures in ensuring the safety of citizens.