| Assembly Republican Conference Leader Christopher DePhillips introduced a resolution Monday urging the federal government to conduct an investigation into the nightly operation of unidentified drones in New Jersey. DePhillips is the first New Jersey lawmaker to formally call on the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security through the state legislative process.
“Unidentified drones have been flying over New Jersey’s airspace for weeks now and we are no closer to understanding where they are coming from or what they are doing. It’s time to demand answers,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen). “Residents deserve to know that their sightings, and the sightings by law enforcement agencies, military bases and other officials, are all being taken seriously.”
The resolution (AR173) cites the authority of the federal government over New Jersey’s airspace for limiting state officials’ ability to investigate and address the drones, which could pose a national security threat.
“People’s confidence in this administration’s ability to ensure the security of this nation is significantly compromised. The federal government must take decisive action and communicate their findings quickly and clearly to prevent those with nefarious motives from causing harm and copycat hobbyists from adding to the chaos in our skies,” he added.
The mysterious drones have been sighted throughout New Jersey nightly since Nov. 18. There are now reported sightings in at least five other states, including New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. They have flown near important and sensitive military operations, critical infrastructure and President-elect Donald Trump’s residence in Somerset County. Drone activity has temporarily closed New York’s Stewart International Airport, blocked a medivac helicopter, and resulted in two arrests in Massachusetts after one flew near Logan International Airport in Boston.
“Fear and frustration are growing the longer unidentified drones are permitted to fly continually. The feds have an obligation to protect the security and wellbeing of our state and nation and this resolution is calling on them to do their jobs,” DePhillips said. |
