December 13, 2024
WASHINGTON—Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s recent comments—made by White House National Security spokesman John Kirby and in a DHS/FBI joint statement—on the unidentified drone activity across New Jersey:
“The Biden Administration continues to be dismissive of New Jersey residents who have witnessed these drones in swarms, including coming from the ocean, following a Coast Guard lifeboat, and flying over extremely sensitive military bases like Naval Weapons Station Earle in my congressional district. Some press reports—including one from the Daily Mail—cite intelligence experts who suggest Russia could be responsible.
The American people and our trained local law enforcement officials have rightfully asked for real answers—not doublespeak from top Biden officials who still admit they do not know the origin or intent behind this unidentified drone activity.
The Biden Administration has an obligation to the American people to figure out and tell us what is going on immediately. Their lack of decisive action and empty reassurances will only cause increased speculation and continue to escalate the valid concerns that so many people have.
Tomorrow, I will be holding a press conference in Seaside Heights, New Jersey with local law enforcement officers, mayors, and state representatives to share updates with the public and lay out our next steps in Congress to demand answers and further address this issue.”
Important Public Notice: DRONE WATCH EVENT CANCELLED: No Trespassing at 220 Ganttown Road
Washington Township Police say the owners of the closed “Antique Only” store (Fieldstone Associates) on Ganttown Road have made it clear that no trespassing will be permitted on their private property tonight.
We want to remind everyone that:
• No large gathering permits have been issued by our WT clerk for this location – OR any other WT location/property.
• The Drone Watch Party has been CANCELLED.
• Officers will be on location tonight to prevent a gathering.
Trespassing will not be tolerated and violators may be prosecuted under trespass laws / ordinances.
Please respect private property and help spread the word that this event is not permitted
DRONE WATCH EVENT CANCELLED: No Trespassing at 220 Ganttown Road, Washington Township Gloucester County.
Governor Phil Murphy wrote the President of the United States Joe Biden to express concerns about reports of unmanned aircraft systems in and around NJ airspace. Since existing laws limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to counter UAS, more federal resources are needed to understand what is behind this activity.
https://twitter.com/GovMurphy/status/1867606764755054686
Joint DHS/FBI Statement on Reports of Drones in New Jersey
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus. The FBI, DHS and our federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.
“Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities. We are supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey with numerous detection methods but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection. To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space.
“We take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports. To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage. While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities.”
Clifton Calls for Plan to Address Monmouth County Drone Activity
Assemblyman Robert Clifton, a lifelong resident of Matawan, raised concerns over continuous drone activity in New Jersey, particularly in Monmouth County, with officials this week during a briefing at State Police headquarters. The lack of information and a coordinated response plan is increasing worry among residents in the 12th Legislative District who have reportedly spotted drones daily.
“Drones have been spotted over key infrastructure in Monmouth County, power stations and other sensitive locations throughout New Jersey and the humdrum response from the people who are supposedly in charge is deeply concerning,” Clifton (R-Monmouth) said. “My constituents have reported drone sightings to the authorities, but it doesn’t appear that they are doing anything about it.”
State Police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness have provided limited details about the nature of the drone sightings, offering no clear timeline or actionable strategy for identifying the operators or mitigating future threats.
“I’m calling on Governor Murphy to work with the feds to coordinate a plan that will immediately allay growing concerns,” Clifton said. “New Jersey residents deserve a concrete plan and strong leadership, not ambiguous or dismissive responses.”
A suspected drone flies over a Matawan neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Assemblyman Robert Clifton’s 12th Legislative District Office.
Congressman Van Drew Addresses Ongoing Drone Incursions
Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Van Drew addressed the ongoing issue of unidentified drones following a night with a record number of sightings reported across the state from local officials.
“Almost a month has gone by and we still have no answers from our government. The number of drones we are seeing is only increasing,” said Congressman Van Drew. “While it has been verified that Iran does have three drone ships, new satellite images show they are currently stationed off the southern coast of Iran. This new information only brings us closer to figuring out what is really going on. It is unacceptable to hear the government contradict itself by saying they do not know who is operating these drones, while at the same time telling us there is no reason to be concerned. I remain fully committed to ensuring the security of the people of South Jersey and the nation as a whole.”
Reported Downed Drone Reported In Hillsborough, New Jersey Not Found After Extensive Search
On December 12, 2024 at 8:34 p.m., the Hillsborough Police Department responded to the parking lot of 315 Route 206 (Lowe’s) for the report of a drone that crashed into a field. Hillsborough Police met with the reporting party who reported observing drones in the air and one striking the high-power tension lines. The reporting party stated the drone then crashed into a field.
Hillsborough Police Officers, Hillsborough OEM, Somerset County OEM, Somerset County Hazmat, Hillsborough Township Fire Department Unit 38, Millstone Valley Fire Department, Robert Wood Johnson EMS and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit searched the area from the air and on foot and were unable to locate any down drone. Hillsborough Police Units established a perimeter around the area until daylight, where the search resumed in more visible conditions.
On December 13, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Millstone Valley Fire Department deployed drones over the area for an arial view of the area yielding negative results. Somerset County Hazmat also conducted a foot search of the area yielding negative results. At 12:10 p.m. all units cleared after a complete search of the area was concluded, and no down drone was recovered. There is no known threat to the public to report.
The public is reminded to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) to report any suspicious drones in the area.
Sauickie Expresses Deep Frustration After State Police Drone Briefing