Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., delivers remarks during the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum. Jul 16, 2024; Milwaukee, WI.
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(Washington, DC) – As both elected officials and local residents express concern over the number of drones flying above New Jersey and parts of New York at night, one lawmaker is urging the military to take action. Jeff Van Drew, a South Jersey Republican and member of Congress, suggested that step Wednesday during an appearance on Fox News. He also suggested the mysterious drones may have been launched from an Iranian mothership, anchored or sailing out in the Atlantic.
Van Drew told Fox News’ hosts that “these drones should be shot down,” adding “the military is on full alert with this.” The congressman did not provide details as to how he learned this information. Van Drew is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His direct includes a large swath of the Jersey Shore, which is where drones have been spotted.
After those comments went viral, the Pentagon responded. Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said it’s not believed the drones are “a foreign entity or adversary.” Singh went on to say that “there is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called mothership launching drones toward the US.”
As far as members of Congress, Democrat Josh Gottheimer — a North Jersey Democrat — has said he’s not alarmed. A member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and a ranking membe of the National Security Agency and Cyber subcommittee, Gottheimer suggested he knows what the drones are. He also said the Federal Government should do more to inform members of the public.
In addition to the shore points and sightings there, drones have been spotted over Morristown — including near President-elect Trump’s golf club in Bedminster. Other sensitive sites, like reservoirs and military bases, have reported drone sightings. The FAA expanded some flight restrictions recently in response.
