EWING, N.J. (NewsNation) — The FBI said Wednesday it had no answers regarding dozens of drone sightings reported across New Jersey’s night skies in recent weeks.
The agency has been investigating reports about the mysterious nighttime drones, reports of which started being made last month across central New Jersey. Residents began reporting drones in other areas after the FBI asked for public help in identifying the source.
Pentagon denies foreign entity behind New Jersey Drones
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said during a Wednesday afternoon briefing there was “no evidence these are coming from a foreign entity or the work of an adversary.”
She also refuted a claim by U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew who said the drones were being launched by an Iranian mothership. “No there is not any truth to that,” said Singh.
During an interview where cameras weren’t allowed, Rep. Van Drew clarified his remarks from his Fox interview with NewsNation. He said the drones “might be” Iranian, citing private information he received from high-clearance officials.
He acknowledged that he neither possesses nor has seen any concrete evidence confirming the drones are Iranian.
While speaking at an unrelated bill signing event in Princeton, New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy noted there were 49 reports of drones on Sunday, mostly in Hunterdon County.
New Jersey officials ‘frustrated’ after drone meeting
It was a frustrating day for state and local officials wanting new details. New Jersey state Rep. Brian Bergen told NewsNation the meeting was a “waste of time” and that he’s not getting enough information from officials.
“There were no answers,” he said. “Every question that was asked by members of the state legislature? No answers. No resolution. They don’t know where the drones are coming from. They don’t know who is doing it. They don’t know why they’re doing it. But they say there’s no credible threat.”
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said a recent reported sighting over Naval Weapons Station Earle was particularly concerning.
“We had one confirmed drone directly over the top of Earle,” he told NewsNation. “If anybody knows Naval Weapons Station Earle, if you come within 500 feet of Earle, they’re already authorized to fire upon you when you’re just a fishing boat. Unfortunately, it seems like we’re unable to take any action when a foreign, unauthorized drone is flying above.”
What are the rules for flying drones in New Jersey?
Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Drone operators also must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists.
The flights initially raised questions in part because they took place near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
Most of the drones have been spotted along coastal areas, and some of the devices were recently spotted over a large reservoir in Clinton.
The FBI asks that residents share any videos or photos they may have of the flights, along with any other relevant information.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
