Democratic senators from New York and New Jersey are demanding a briefing on the source of the drones that have spooked and mystified residents of their states.
The letter requests an update on efforts by the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to get to the bottom of “unattributable drone sightings at night” that have alarmed “both residents and local law enforcement.”
“Some of these drones have been observed maneuvering near critical infrastructure and sensitive locations, including reservoirs and military installations,” Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York wrote to the agencies alongside Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim of New Jersey.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said there were nearly 50 sightings of drones on Sunday night alone, and that his administration is taking the issue “deadly seriously.”
State lawmakers are frustrated by the lack of answers about the drone, which appear to be more sophisticated than the types operated by hobbyists.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, New Jersey Republican, said sources told him Tehran deployed a “mothership” about a month ago that contained a large quantity of drones. He accused China of providing Iran with the vessel, the drones, and the technology needed to stage an operation.
However, Defense Department spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said the Pentagon has no evidence that the swarm is the work of an adversary or some other foreign entity.
“There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States and there’s no so-called ‘mothership’ launching drones toward the United States,” Ms. Singh told Pentagon reporters on Wednesday.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there is “no evidence at this time” that the sightings pose a national security threat or have a foreign nexus.
He said federal authorities have used “numerous detection methods” to determine the drones’ origins.
“It appears that many of the reported sightings are manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully,” Mr. Kirby said.
The senators said a response to the incident may require resources from Congress, so they’d like an answer by Dec. 23.
“Protecting civilian infrastructure, safety, and privacy as well as military assets and personnel will require a comprehensive response from Congress and the executive branch,” the senators wrote. “For this reason, we request that the briefing you provide also include any authorities, tools, or staff your agencies may require to address these ongoing incidents and the broader security challenge posed by [unmanned aircraft systems].”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.