Mysterious nighttime drone sightings in New Jersey have prompted a state senator to request the Department of Defense's involvement, citing public concern and the need for advanced technology to address the issue. Senator Jon Bramnick emphasized the limitations of state police resources in handling such incidents and highlighted the DoD's capabilities in monitoring drone activity.
Bramnick advocated for a temporary airspace closure to drones in New Jersey until the situation is clarified, stressing the necessity of the Department of Defense's intervention. He expressed worry that without their expertise, understanding the drones' origin and purpose would be impossible.
Representative Jeff Van Drew suggested a potential link between the drones and an Iranian "mothership" located off the U.S. East Coast, although this claim was later refuted by the Pentagon. Van Drew called for the drones to be shot down, citing potential national security risks.
Bramnick echoed the seriousness of Van Drew's concerns, urging immediate action from the Department of Defense to track and investigate the drones. He expressed unease about the large size of the drones and the apparent lack of awareness from official channels other than citizen reports to the FBI.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the advanced nature of the drones and the uncertainty surrounding their source. A scheduled meeting regarding the issue was planned but Murphy did not attend, leading to criticism from local officials like Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herd.
The Monmouth County sheriff's office issued a statement recommending a state of emergency and an executive order prohibiting recreational drone flights at night to address public apprehension. Representative Chris Smith reported learning from a Coast Guard commander that a Coast Guard vessel had been closely followed by over a dozen drones. The FBI's Newark field office has also requested public assistance in gathering information about the drone sightings.
