New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and congressional lawmakers are pressing federal agencies for answers over “really frustrating” sightings of drones in the state’s skies.
Rep. Tom Kean, New Jersey Republican, told the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration to “investigate and address this escalating issue.” He also wants an in-depth public briefing from authorities.
“The people of New Jersey deserve answers, and I will continue to demand accountability to ensure their rights and security are fully protected,” Mr. Kean posted on X.
The drone sightings started last month, sparking an FBI investigation.
Mr. Murphy, a Democrat, said there were nearly 50 sightings on Sunday alone, though the tally might have been over-stated due to mistaking some planes for drones or double-counting of the same drone.
“But it’s a non-zero number. I’m hoping we’ll get answers sooner than later,” Mr. Murphy told reporters at a bill signing in Princeton.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden was aware of the New Jersey drones but would not comment beyond that.
“I don’t have anything beyond that to share,” she said. “Obviously, this is something DHS and the FBI are tracking very closely.”
The drones are believed to be more sophisticated than the types used by hobby-level users. It is unclear who is piloting them, but operators are supposed to be FAA-certified.
“We don’t see any concern for public safety. Having said that, it’s really frustrating that we don’t have more answers as to where they’re coming from and why they’re doing what they’re doing,” Mr. Murphy said. “We’re most concerned about sensitive targets and sensitive critical infrastructure. We’ve military assets, we’ve got utility assets.”
The drones were spotted in the general area of Picatinny Arsenal, a major Army research complex, and President-elect Donald Trump’s home at Bedminster.
“This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated,” Mr. Murphy said.
Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican whose district includes shore counties, said the federal response has been lacking.
“Understandably, New Jersey residents are very alarmed at this significant and reoccurring phenomenon — and the tepid response from our state and federal agencies so far is totally unacceptable,” he said. “As we saw with the Chinese spy balloon last year, our fiercest adversaries will stop at nothing to surveil our homeland and threaten our national security.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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