Sauickie Expresses Deep Frustration After State Police Drone Briefing
December 10, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC — In a letter today, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately provide all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across New Jersey as serious concerns continue to mount over potential threats to the homeland.
Smith’s letter comes after he was briefed by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light that more than a dozen drones followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit over the weekend.
“As you no doubt are also aware, there have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” said Smith.
“As you know, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation,” Smith said.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey,” said Smith.
Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy on Monday evening monitoring the New Jersey sky in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, said he is deeply concerned by the potential threats posed by the drones.
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers—not empty reassurances,” said Smith. “The time to act is now.”
Smith testified today that, “An officer from the Coast Guard stated that one of their 47 Foot motor lifeboats was followed by between 12 to 30 of these drones as they (the Coast Guard) went though the water, followed, right behind them.”
Booker Pens Letter Requesting Greater Transparency, Comprehensive Briefing on Drone Activity Over New Jersey
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) sent a letter to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the Department of Transportation (DOT) requesting the agencies provide municipal and county officials with a comprehensive briefing regarding the unauthorized drone activity over New Jersey communities. He also requested that officials make any available information accessible to the public.
Senator Booker wrote, “Over the past several weeks, there have been multiple confirmed sightings of unexplained drone activity over New Jersey communities and military installations. These sightings have been confirmed by local and state authorities, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to open an investigation into the sightings and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose flight restrictions over Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. On December 4th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy convened a briefing with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, state agencies, and members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation. The unexplained drone activity in and around New Jersey continues, however, with reports on December 9th of drone sightings over Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County.”
The letter continued, “I recognize the need to maintain operational security of ongoing investigations and that this situation requires complex interagency coordination. However, there is a growing sense of uncertainty and urgency across the state—from constituents and local officials alike—despite assurances that the drones pose no known threats to public safety. As such, I urge you to share any relevant information about these drone sightings with the public. Without transparency, I believe that rumors, fear, and misinformation will continue to spread.”
“I also request that the DHS, the FBI, and the FAA provide a briefing to New Jersey’s municipal and county officials on the current situation, to include the federal government’s response to date, in accordance with appropriate classification restrictions.”
Senator Booker’s letter concludes, “It is our shared obligation to ensure that our airspace is safe and secure, and I am committed to giving New Jerseyans peace of mind about these activities. I am eager to assist with investigations into the origins of these activities and to work with you to develop policies to protect New Jersey’s population and infrastructure from malicious drone activity.
Recorded Drone sightings around Monmouth County
SHERIFF URGING FEDERAL & STATE OFFICIALS TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION IS ADDRESSING RECENT DRONE SIGHTINGS
As reported sightings of drones continue throughout Monmouth County, Sheriff Shaun Golden is asking federal and state officials to collaborate in identifying the source of activity across the region.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and partners in law enforcement are actively monitoring the situation which doesn’t appear to be a threat to public safety. However, additional tools are needed at the state level to identify the source, as well as more transparency federally, regarding drone operations over critical infrastructure and sensitive areas.
“We are aware of the unease these drone sightings have caused in our communities,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The safety and security of our residents are our top priorities. We urge federal and state authorities to work together in locating the source of these drones and determining their intent. It is essential that we address these incidents swiftly to prevent any concerns or disruptions.”
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov
Map includes reports of drone sightings in Monmouth County.
In a letter yesterday, December 9, 2024, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) urged U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately provide all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across New Jersey as serious concerns continue to mount over potential threats to the homeland.
Smith’s letter comes after he was briefed by a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light that more than a dozen drones followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit over the weekend.
“As you no doubt are also aware, there have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” said Smith.
“As you know, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possess capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and have utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation,” Smith said.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey,” said Smith.
Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy on Monday evening monitoring the New Jersey sky in the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, said he is deeply concerned by the potential threats posed by the drones.
“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers—not empty reassurances,” said Smith. “The time to act is now.”
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office continues to get reports of low flying Drones over Ocean County- we have a Drone Unit that is assigned to review these complaints.
The East Brunswick Police Department is aware of the frequent drone (UAS) sightings throughout the Township. While it is not illegal to fly UAS in any unrestricted airspace, authorities are requesting information regarding any UAS sightings, including images and videos.
This is a statewide issue, and the FBI has urged the public to report sightings via its tips line. The number is 1-800-CALL-FBI (800 225-5324). Photos and videos of the drones are encouraged and can be uploaded at tips.fbi.gov. For online reports, click “submit a tip” and then use the “other FBI crimes” tab.
If you observe drones impacting critical infrastructure, report it by calling 732-390-6901 or 9-1-1 if there is an emergency.
Currently, there is no information indicating any specific, immediate, credible threats.
Thank you for playing an essential role in maintaining a safe community!
MONMOUTH COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACKNOWLEDGES DRONE SIGHTINGS
FREEHOLD – Mirroring a broader trend, local law enforcement agencies have received multiple reports of drone sightings in municipalities across Monmouth County late this week, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association President/Spring Lake Heights Police Chief Edward Gunnell jointly announced Friday.
Acknowledging concerns voiced by the public, the Prosecutor’s Office and local police are actively sharing information about the sightings with partner agencies as it is received.
As of now, the drones are not known to pose any specific threat to public safety. The aforementioned sightings have taken place along the Bayshore Region, the Atlantic Coast, and interior sections of Monmouth County.
Anyone concerned about a potentially suspicious drone sighting should call the non-emergency line of their local police department to report it. The FBI’s Newark Office and the New Jersey State Police are also asking civilians to please report any information related to such matters directly to a dedicated tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225- 5324), or submit information online at www.tips.fbi.gov (videos can also be uploaded at that URL).
For more information about drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, (UAS), including background on civilian usage, licensing, relevant laws and regulations, and restricted airspace zones in New Jersey, go online to the State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) dedicated UAS web page at https://www.njohsp.gov/threat-landscape/drones-and-unmanned-aircraft-systems.
Point Plesant Police reported that on December 5, 2024, three drones were observed throughout town predominantly along the coastline and the train tracks near the south end of town. This agency made notifications to the appropriate State and Federal agencies as per protocols disseminated from the NJSP ROIC. We will continue to monitor and notify the appropriate agencies of any and all drone activity.