Rep. Chris Smith has pointed the finger at Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea over the mystery drones spotted flying across New Jersey, fueling concerns about military tests. Despite his claims, the Pentagon insists the drones pose no security threat and are likely lawful commercial or hobbyist devices.
By PC Bureau
A U.S. Congressman has suggested that Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea could be responsible for the mysterious drones sighted over New Jersey and other parts of the eastern United States, raising concerns about potential military tests.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), whose district has been affected by the drone sightings, argued that the objects exhibit “military sophistication” and could be probing U.S. defense systems. “The elusive maneuvering of these drones suggests a major military power, perhaps Russia, or China, or Iran, or North Korea, testing our capabilities—or worse,” Smith said.
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Despite Smith’s claims, the Pentagon has dismissed suggestions that the drones pose an immediate national security risk. On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted that the U.S. airspace hosts nearly 8,000 drones daily, with approximately 1 million registered nationwide. Ryder emphasized that the noisy, highly visible drones reported are unlikely to be engaging in covert surveillance.
Pentagon officials clarified that the drones are not part of U.S. military operations. However, Smith urged the Pentagon to authorize shooting down one or more drones to determine their origin. “Why can’t we bag at least one of these drones and get to the bottom of it?” he pressed.
State and federal agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, are actively investigating the sightings. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy confirmed that federal equipment has been deployed to monitor the drones, though it has yielded little information. Murphy added that while states currently lack the authority to mitigate drone threats, Congress should act to expand their powers.
The sightings—reported statewide since mid-November—have included locations near sensitive areas such as the Picatinny Arsenal and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Trump, who has criticized the Biden administration for its response, accused the government of withholding information. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby rejected claims of a cover-up on Monday, saying officials believe the sightings involve a mix of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist devices, and even misidentified stars or aircraft. “We have no evidence of any foreign nexus or a national security threat,” Kirby added.
Nevertheless, public anxiety has escalated, with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and other lawmakers calling for drones to be shot down. In Boston, police arrested two men for operating drones near Logan International Airport over the weekend, underscoring growing concerns about airspace security.
Authorities reported a temporary airspace shutdown at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio last week after drones were spotted nearby. Officials said the drones had no operational impact, and no further sightings have been reported since.
The FBI has received over 5,000 drone-related tips in recent weeks, with only about 100 requiring further investigation. Despite the ongoing inquiries, federal agencies stress that the drones currently pose no public safety risk, though officials remain under pressure to provide clearer answers.
Meanwhile, public distrust in government responses continues to fuel speculation. “A lack of faith in institutions is playing a key role here,” said Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), who dismissed allegations of a cover-up. “Nothing I’ve seen suggests the government is hiding anything, but I understand why some people feel otherwise.”
