“On the large number of drones flying throughout New Jersey and elsewhere that have so far evaded identification, origin, mission or potential threat to Americans, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas shockingly said this week: ‘We haven’t seen anything unusual. We know of no threat.’ Bill
What? Asked Congress Chris Smith, at his press conference Sunday on the ongoing unidentified drone activity across the state. “The massive invasion of drones observed and recorded by many of our citizens including law enforcement and military personnel—many in this room—isn’t unusual?
“How does Secretary Mayorkas who infamously told us for years that our southern border was secure and closed—when it was and is not—now insult our intelligence that ‘we haven’t seen anything unusual? How can anyone speculate or issue assurances to the thousands of Americans who have witnessed the drones that there is no threat?
“For weeks, we’ve asked for the truth and action to mitigate any and all threats to people and property., “Smith said, adding, “Now we are demanding it.”
“I’ve written Defense Secretary Llyod Austin asking the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to down one or more of these unmanned threats to uncover the mystery of the drones, “ Smith said..
The congressman thanked both Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden for doing all within their power and authority to aggressively investigate and track drone appearances, as well as the Ocean County Sheriff, Mike Mastronardy, saying both are doing an “amazing job.”
The Congressman also said Sheriff Golden had asked him for legislation to empower the state police to seriously protect at risk persons and infrastructure, and if necessary, bring down a dangerous drone or drones. The Congressman pointed out state and local law enforcement is currently precluded by law from taking more decisive action but said he is drafting a bill right now and will introduce it in Congress soon.
As the sightings increase including by service members at Naval Weapons Station Earle—sights the Congressman said were verified by the Earle commanding officer, and several have been seen by the Coast Guard which had one of its 47-foot rescue boats followed in very close proximity off its stern by numerous drones—”why can’t we bag at least one drone and get to the bottom of this?” the Congressman asked.
Monmouth County Commission Director Tom Arnone praised Golden along with Sheriff Mastronardy as well as the governing bodies of both Monmouth and Ocean counties for working together and poling their efforts to ensure the safety of the residents of both counties.
Smith also pointed out that regardless of what the drones may be, they definitely represent a danger to aviation, He pointed out the danger birds create for aviation, and having these unknown and unidentified drones also represents a problem for aviation.
Legislators and leaders from numerous municipalities and from the state Assembly were also at the press conference answering questions from the public. Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn noted the Assembly is planning on taking action at its meeting this week and will keep the public informed on what is taking place.
