The White House has sought to diminish the importance of recent sightings of enigmatic drones in New Jersey and New York. National security officials have maintained that there is "no evidence at this time that these sightings pose a threat to national security or public safety, nor do they have any foreign connections." Still, prominent legislators in the House and Senate are insisting on an explanation.
Over the last few weeks, individuals in the community have been observing and recording videos of drones, which officials maintain are commercial-grade rather than typical "hobby" drones. Eyewitness reports and official confirmations indicate that these drones can measure up to 6 feet in diameter. Recently, Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey fueled public anxiety by suggesting on Fox News that these drones were launched from an Iranian "mothership" off the East Coast. The Department of Defense has refuted this claim.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has conveyed his anticipation of a forthcoming classified briefing regarding the drones. Senators Cory Booker and Andy King from New Jersey, together with Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand from New York, all Democrats, have issued letters to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Whitaker, seeking briefings on the matter.
Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Congressman and member of the Intelligence Committee, conveyed that he had received briefings concerning the drones over the past week. He asserted, "I do not think there is an immediate threat to public safety. However, it is crucial for the public to gain further insights."
Various videos have circulated widely, garnering tens of thousands of views on social media, prompting concerns. The situation became more alarming on Wednesday when Representative Jeff Van Drew indicated on Fox News that the drones were sourced from an Iranian "mothership" off the "East Coast of the United States."
He called for the drones to be "shot down."
Specific devices are used to interfere with drone signals (called drone jammers), but these devices are usually only used by security forces.