By PC bureau
Over the past month, reports of unidentified drones buzzing through New Jersey skies have stirred both curiosity and concern. While state officials, including Governor Phil Murphy, have assured the public that the drones pose no immediate threat, others, like Congressman Jeff Van Drew, have speculated wildly, even suggesting ties to an Iranian “mothership,” The Independent reported.
The report said that Homeland security officials, state police, and lawmakers convened on Wednesday to address the mysterious sightings. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating and has urged residents to share any photos, videos, or tips about the drones.
Governor Murphy emphasized that there’s no evidence of danger, stating, “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated.” However, Congressman Van Drew struck a more alarmist tone during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, alleging, “There is circumstantial evidence of an Iranian mothership off the East Coast launching these drone incursions.”
The Pentagon has dismissed Van Drew’s claims. Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh assured the public, “There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and no so-called mothership launching drones.” She added that no U.S. installations have been threatened by these activities.
Still, Van Drew remains skeptical. Speaking to ABC News, he countered, “[The Pentagon says] there’s nothing to fear, but we have no idea who it is, where it comes from, what it’s about, and what it can do.”
Meanwhile, according to the Independent report, local lawmakers are pushing for tighter regulations on unmanned aerial devices. Some have proposed temporary bans on drone flights until more is known. Republican Assemblyman Erik Peterson, whose district includes affected areas, met with Homeland Security and state police officials. While officials downplayed the significance of some reports, Peterson expressed frustration: “My understanding is they have no clue who or what is behind this.”
The drones have been sighted mainly along New Jersey’s coastal areas, with recent reports near a large reservoir in Clinton and even in neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania.
For residents like James Edwards of Succasunna, the lack of clarity is unsettling. “It raises concern mainly because there’s so much that’s unknown,” he said. Edwards urged against fueling unnecessary panic, adding, “We need to wait and see what is really happening here, not let fear of the unknown overtake us.”
As the mystery deepens, officials continue to investigate, leaving residents to wonder who—or what—is behind these enigmatic drone flights.
