New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, R, requested U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin provide a state military base with the tools it needs to take down mystery drones spotted across the Garden State. Authorities spotted unmanned aerial systems by the dozen over sensitive security locations and critical infrastructure.
“This is a national security issue of the highest order and people need to have their concerns, which are very well founded, and I have them too, allayed,” Smith told Straight Arrow News.
Between 12 and 30 drones followed a 47-foot Coast Guard ship while running near Barnegat inlet, Smith said.
“Don’t tell me that’s not some kind of intimidation,” he added.
Smith asks Pentagon for help
Smith wrote a letter to Austin, requesting his assistance.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by Joint Base McQuire-Dix-Lakehurst to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey.”
New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith in a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst can identify and take down unauthorized drones, but the base commander told Smith he doesn’t have the authority to do so.
Federal government remains silent
Smith expressed disappointment toward the federal government for the lack of response. He said the U.S. Coast Guard told him they do not have any rules of engagement for the encounters.
The Department of Homeland Security is failing to do its job, Smith said.
The New Jersey lawmaker spoke with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), but the organization was unable to explain.
National security a top concern
Lawmakers at the state and federal level are concerned the drones could be a threat to national security.
There are multiple sensitive locations in New Jersey, including Joint Base McQuire-Dix and Naval Weapons Stations Earle. The naval station provides guns, artillery and explosives for the Atlantic fleet carrier and expeditionary strike groups.
Smith said the federal government shouldn’t ignore these mystery drone sightings, especially amid ongoing threats from China, Russia, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.
“Drones are the method of modern warfare,” Smith said. “It’s the game changer.”
A New Jersey state senator called for a limited state of emergency that would ban all drones until the public receives an explanation.
