Homeland security officials meet with lawmakers about mysterious drone flights in New Jersey
Homeland security officials in New Jersey huddled with state and local lawmakers Wednesday to discuss the recent spate of drone sightings across the state.
Dozens of mysterious night flights took off last month, sparking growing concern among residents and officials. Some of the concerns stem from the flying objects initially noticed near the Picatinny Arsenal, a US military research and production facility; and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.
Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists.
The number of sightings has increased in recent days, although officials say many of the objects sighted may have been aircraft rather than drones. It is also possible that one drone has been reported more than once.
Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have emphasized that the drones do not appear to endanger public safety. The FBI has launched an investigation and has asked residents to share any videos, photos or other information they have.
Many municipal lawmakers have called for more restrictions on who has the right to fly unmanned devices. At least one state lawmaker has proposed a temporary ban on drone flights in the state.
“This is something we take deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated,” Murphy said earlier this week.
Details about Wednesday’s meeting were not immediately released. A spokesman for the Democratic governor said he was not present.
Republican Assemblyman Erik Peterson, whose district includes parts of the state where the drones have been reported, said he and other lawmakers met with Homeland Security and state police officials for about 90 minutes at a state police facility in West Trenton.
Peterson said DHS officials were generous with their time but appeared to dismiss some concerns, saying not all reported sightings have been confirmed to involve drones.
So who or what is behind the flying objects? Where do they come from? What are they doing? “My understanding is they have no idea,” Peterson said.
A message seeking comment on Peterson’s comments was left with the Department of Homeland Security.
Most of the drones have been spotted along coastal areas and some were recently reported flying over a large reservoir in Clinton. Sightings have also been reported in neighboring states, including the New York City area, and over Delaware County and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
James Edwards of Succasunna, New Jersey, said he has seen a few drones flying over his neighborhood since last month.
“It’s concerning especially because there is so much unknown,” Edwards said Wednesday. “There are many people speaking out about various conspiracies that they believe are at play here, but that just adds unnecessary fuel to the fire. We have to wait and see what really happens here and not let the fear of the unknown overwhelm us.”
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AP reporter Mike Catalini contributed to this report.