U.S. lawmakers from New Jersey have expressed increasing concern regarding numerous reports of drones operating near sensitive locations, including a military research facility. In recent weeks, there has been a significant uptick in sightings, prompting lawmakers to urge federal agencies for immediate assistance in investigating the situation.
Representative Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, has taken a proactive stance by collaborating with local law enforcement leaders. He gathered on Long Beach Island recently to address these concerns, emphasizing the alarm felt by residents over drone activities in the region. Smith pointed out the potential risks, drawing parallels to incidents like the Chinese spy balloon that raised national security alarms last year.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has also highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that 49 drone sightings were reported in just one day, predominantly in Hunterdon County. Although these reports may involve multiple sightings of the same drone, the multitude of occurrences has heightened public anxiety. Murphy remarked, “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated.”
As federal authorities, including the FBI, dive into the investigation, the nature and intent of the drone operations remain unclear. Both state and federal officials maintain, however, that there is currently no identified threat to public safety. Nonetheless, Smith stresses that communication among local and federal agencies must improve to address these challenges swiftly.
Representative Tom Kean echoed these sentiments, calling for enhanced federal resources to tackle the issue. He insisted on the necessity for a detailed public briefing to provide residents with the answers they seek, underlining that the safety and privacy of citizens must be prioritized.
While drone usage is legal in New Jersey under specific regulations, most reported drones appear to be larger than typical hobbyist models. This raises additional concerns, particularly given their proximity to sensitive sites like the Picatinny Arsenal and other notable locations.
The FBI has encouraged residents to share images or videos of the drone flights as part of their inquiry, aiming to gather more data about the situation.
In summary, lawmakers are actively seeking clarity and resolution regarding the mysterious drone activity over New Jersey, illustrating a collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community. Hopefully, with increased collaboration and transparency, residents will soon have more insight into this pressing issue and feel a greater sense of security in their skies.