JERSEY SHORE – Amid many reports of car-sized drones flying at night across areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York and lukewarm responses from federal and state authorities, people are still asking who put them in the air and why?
Speculation by the public has ranged from the drones being a new military technology being tested by the government for surveillance purposes to others feeling the devices are being operated by a foreign power for more sinister purposes.
Mayors from throughout the state were called to the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center recently. They were told by state authorities that there was nothing to worry about. However, they didn’t know what they were. This didn’t answer everyone’s questions.
“How can you say there’s no need for concern when you don’t even know where they come from and where they go or who owns them?” Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione said the following day.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office issued a post about the situation stating, “As reported sightings of drones continue throughout Monmouth County, Sheriff Shaun Golden is asking federal and state officials to collaborate in identifying the source of activity reported across the region.”
The post continued, “the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and partners in law enforcement are actively monitoring the situation which doesn’t appear to be a threat to public safety. However, additional tools are needed at the state level to identify the source, as well as more transparency federally, regarding drone operations over critical infrastructure and sensitive areas.”
“We are aware of the unease these drone sightings have caused in our communities,” Sheriff Golden added. “The safety and security of our residents is our top priorities. We urge state and federal authorities to work together in locating the source of these drones and determining their intent. It is essential that we address these incidents swiftly to prevent any concerns or disruptions.”
Congressman Chris Smith (R-4th) has also spoken out in concern about the subject. He urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately provide all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across the state.
His letter comes after he was briefed by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light that more than a dozen drones recently followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit.
“There have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” Smith confirmed.
Smith added, “Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation.”
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey,” Smith added.
Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy monitoring the sky in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, said he is deeply concerned by the potential threats posed by the drones.
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers – not empty reassurances. The time to act is now,” the congressman stressed.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has also commented on the dozens of drones that have been sighted in areas of the Garden State near sensitive sites such as a military research facility.
He said the situation is frustrating but that the unidentified flying objects don’t appear to pose a public safety concern.
Murphy commented that the drone sightings were being taken “deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated.”
Sightings have also been made near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-Elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed drone flight restrictions in the area as the investigation continues.
Witnesses have spotted a drone cluster, described as being bigger than those typically used by hobbyists – as well as a possible fixed-wing aircraft flying in several areas along the Raritan River since Nov. 18.
Residents of Ocean County including the barrier island, mainland Toms River and beyond have witnessed the drones overhead. In one instance three were seen in formation hovering over the Barnegat Bay.
Federal and state officials stress that there currently is no known threat to public safety. People who see them and photograph them are being urged to contact the FBI.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov.
Chris Lundy contributed to this story.
The post Unidentified Drones Draw Concern Across Tri-State Area appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.