By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-11 19:06:54 | Updated at 2024-12-22 12:28:40
1 week ago
Rep. Jeff Van Drew stunningly claimed Iran is behind the mysterious drones sighted flying over northern New Jersey as the FBI scrambles for answers.
The Republican lawmaker from New Jersey told Fox News that Iran has launched a 'mothership' about a month ago that contains the drones off the coast.
'These are from high sources,' he claimed. 'I don't say this lightly.' He added that they should be 'shot down.'
The FBI has been investigating the mysterious sightings as witnesses have spotted them on numerous occasions.
People have seen the unexplained cluster of what appear to be drones and a possible fixed wing aircraft for several weeks which are flying near sensitive locations including military instillations sparking concern.
While the FBI out of Newark and local partners are investigating, they have been unable to determine if it is the work of one person or group.
A top official with the FBI said they do not know if there is a reason to believe that Americans are at risk and that's concerning.
One of the reported drones, whose engines can be heard roaring from the ground, appeared to have a cluster of white lights on its underbelly with red lights blinking at its wingtips and tail (above)
House members held a hearing on Tuesday focused on the threats posed by unmanned aerial systems to the U.S.
'You're telling me we don't know what the hell these drones are, in New Jersey are?' Congressman Tony Gonzales asked.
'That's right,' responded Robert Wheeler, FBI Assistant Director of the Critical Incident Response Group.
'That's crazy! I mean that's crazy,' the Texas congressman pushed back.
'That's madness that we don't know what these drones are,' he added.
Gonzales argued not knowing what is flying in U.S. airspace is only the 'tip of the iceberg of what's to come' and warned it must be fixed.
Wheeler said they do not know exactly what type of drones the ones being reported are, but he noted some are believed to be bigger than those commercially available.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) claimed on Fox News that Iran launched a 'mothership' with the drones after the FBI told lawmakers during a hearing it did not have information about who was behind the mysterious sightings
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) speaking during a hearing on unmanned aerial systems where he called the FBI not having more information about the mysterious drones over New Jersey 'madness'
When asked how much the budget is for FBI counter-drone technology, Wheeler revealed it was less than $500,000.
'No wonder we don't know what the hell is going on. $500,000?' Gonzales responded.
One of the challenges has been getting the authority to bring the drones down. Lawmakers urged officials to shoot one down to further examine it.
The FBI has been going through more than 3,000 tips submitted by the public. There have also been sightings from New York.
According to one NJ local, this image depicts roughly nine of the unidentified drones flying into New Jersey from the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday night, December 5
The FBI has warned it has seen a concerning increase in use of drones to commit crimes and being flown over sensitive facilities.
On Sunday alone, there were 49 reported sightings according to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
He noted that some are likely to have been repeat reports, but he does not blame people for being frustrated.
'We don't see any concern for public safety,' Murphy said. 'Having said that, it's really frustrating that we don't have more answers as to where they're coming from and why they're doing what they're doing.'
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said they are taking the drone investigation 'deadly seriously'
Murphy said he has been in contact with the FBI and Homeland Security and encouraged people to continue to report sightings to the FBI.
He described the drones as 'very sophisticated.'
'The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark,' Murphy said.
'We're obviously most concerned about sensitive targets and sensitive critical infrastructure,' he added.
Murphy noted the military facilities, utility assets and President-elect Donald Trump's New Jersey home are all in the area.
'This is something we're taking deadly seriously,' he said.
