During a press conference on Saturday, Rep. Chris Smith from New Jersey criticized the Biden administration for its response to the recent drone sightings that have puzzled U.S. officials.
Since mid-November, unidentified drones have been seen flying above U.S. military bases and residential areas in New Jersey, raising concerns among residents.
Similar drone sightings have also been reported in Connecticut. Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut suggested on Thursday that the drones should be taken down by force if required.
On Saturday, U.S. officials held a phone conference with reporters and appeared to downplay concerns about the drones, saying there was no evidence linking the aircraft to foreign adversaries.
Authorities are investigating unusual drone activity in northern New Jersey, including the area of Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. (Getty Images)
“I’ve written Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asking the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to down one or more of these unmanned threats to uncover the mystery, bring them down over the ocean, over an area where there’s no population,” Smith said. “Bring them down and find out who’s doing it.”
The New Jersey politician also expressed the belief the drones may be tied to at least one foreign government.
A map showing some of the locations where mystery drones have been spotted in New Jersey in December 2024. (Fox News)
“The elusive maneuvering of these drones, I would suggest, suggests a major military power sophistication,” the Republican said. “That begs the question whether they have been deployed to test our defense capabilities or worse, by violent dictatorships, perhaps maybe Russia or China or Iran or North Korea.
“I mean, they had the capability, and they certainly have the motive,” Smith added. “The Pentagon has said the drones are not ours.”
