In recent weeks, a surge of strange drone sightings over the state of New Jersey has ignited speculation about their origins, with some hypothesizing that they are linked to an Iran-owned “mothership” off the East Coast. One congressman has publicly claimed that these drones are connected to the Middle Eastern country, calling for prompt action against them. However, the Pentagon has firmly dismissed these claims, asserting there is no proof of foreign involvement.
Congressman Van Drew makes bold claims about these drones’ origins
Reports of drone sightings have primarily surfaced in New Jersey, hovering close to locations such as Picatinny Arsenal and U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster.
Citing “high sources,” Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew claimed that these drones were launched from an Iranian mothership.
“That mothership… is off the East Coast of the United States of America,” he declared during an interview on Fox News. “They’ve launched drones into everything that we can see or hear.”
However, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh refutes Van Drew’s claims, saying: “There is no truth to that. There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States.”
Instead, Singh says that the drones are likely originating from domestic sources.
Official responses and subsequent investigations
The White House echoes the Pentagon’s stance, with National Security spokesman John Kirby noting that there is “no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.”
Moreover, Governor Phil Murphy of Jersey reassured the public, emphasizing that there is “no known threat to the public at this time.”
The FBI has since launched an investigation into the sightings, which include reports of drones that are “up to six feet in diameter” and difficult to detect.
Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration has also implemented flight restrictions in areas such as Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal while looking into these incidents. The organization warned drone operators that unsafe operations could lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to $75,000.
Drone technology: Political backlash and calls for transparency strengthens
The drone sightings reflect concerns about the prevalence of drone technology and its potential impact on national security. With the prospect for drones to carry surveillance equipment or explosives, their unauthorized presence near military sites is alarming to security experts. New Jersey assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia has raised questions about the advanced capabilities of the drones, noting their ability to operate in a “coordinated manner.”
“To state that there is no known or credible threat is incredibly misleading,” Fantasia states, indicating that the drones might be using advanced technology to avoid detection.
The ambiguity regarding the sightings had led to political friction: Van Drew is accusing the Pentagon of withholding vital information while also insinuating that government officials are grossly underestimating public intelligence.
In a similar vein, House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stresses the need for transparency regarding the investigations, insisting that the public deserves more information: “We need a greater degree of transparency from law enforcement authorities, and we will make sure that happens.”
On the other hand, Governor Murphy and other lawmakers have called for a fact-based approach to addressing the situation rather than fear-mongering.
As investigations into the bizarre drone sightings continue, the Pentagon remains firm in its stance that there are no foreign threats involved. The discourse surrounding the drones’ origins and nature highlights the complexities of modern drone technology and its security ramifications. As this development unfolds, the priority remains on safeguarding public safety while addressing the challenges posed by unidentified drone activity in U.S. airspace.