1 month ago
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Lawmakers are growing publicly frustrated with the federal government over the lack of information about drone sightings over New Jersey and other states along the East Coast."Be straight with us and just tell us what is going on," Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., said."Where are these drones coming from? What's the origin of all these drones?" Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., asked.So far, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security report that the drones do not pose a public safety threat based on their investigations, but governors, senators, and representatives are demanding more answers."We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus," John Kirby, White House National Security Council spokesperson, said.Kirby said an investigation is underway, but they haven't been able to corroborate the sightings or confirm that they are even drones."It appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully," Kirby added.That conflicts with what mayors in New Jersey say they've been seeing for more than a month."In a briefing on Tuesday with the state police, they told us they had engaged with drones," Mayor Sam Morris of Mine Hill, N.J., said."These drones statewide are hovering and appearing to be surveilling New Jersey's critical infrastructure," Mayor Michael Melham of Belleville Township, N.J., said.The mysterious objects have been reported near the Picatinny Arsenal, which houses some of the nation's weapons and ammunition, and President-elect Donald Trump's Bedminster golf course."They should be shot down, if necessary," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said.A Pentagon spokesperson said military installations have the authority to shoot down drones if deemed a threat, but that hasn't been necessary.Lawmakers who say they have been briefed by the Department of Homeland Security say the drones appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio.One described the drones as up to six feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off.Apart from New Jersey, sightings also have been reported in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania.The U.S. Air Force said last month that several small unmanned aircraft were detected near four military bases in England that are used by American forces.
WASHINGTON —
Lawmakers are growing publicly frustrated with the federal government over the lack of information about drone sightings over New Jersey and other states along the East Coast.
"Be straight with us and just tell us what is going on," Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., said.
"Where are these drones coming from? What's the origin of all these drones?" Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., asked.
So far, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security report that the drones do not pose a public safety threat based on their investigations, but governors, senators, and representatives are demanding more answers.
"We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus," John Kirby, White House National Security Council spokesperson, said.
Kirby said an investigation is underway, but they haven't been able to corroborate the sightings or confirm that they are even drones.
"It appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully," Kirby added.
That conflicts with what mayors in New Jersey say they've been seeing for more than a month.
"In a briefing on Tuesday with the state police, they told us they had engaged with drones," Mayor Sam Morris of Mine Hill, N.J., said.
"These drones statewide are hovering and appearing to be surveilling New Jersey's critical infrastructure," Mayor Michael Melham of Belleville Township, N.J., said.
The mysterious objects have been reported near the Picatinny Arsenal, which houses some of the nation's weapons and ammunition, and President-elect Donald Trump's Bedminster golf course.
"They should be shot down, if necessary," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said.
A Pentagon spokesperson said military installations have the authority to shoot down drones if deemed a threat, but that hasn't been necessary.
Lawmakers who say they have been briefed by the Department of Homeland Security say the drones appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio.
One described the drones as up to six feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off.
Apart from New Jersey, sightings also have been reported in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania.
The U.S. Air Force said last month that several small unmanned aircraft were detected near four military bases in England that are used by American forces.
English (US)