Mystery drone invasion sparks 'state of emergency' in New Jersey with warning Iranian mothership lurks offshore

Calls for a ‘state of emergency’ have arisen in New Jersey due to a mysterious drone invasion, with officials hinting they may be connected to an Iranian ‘mothership’ situated off the East Coast.

Republican Rep Jeff Van Drew mentioned that Iran supposedly deployed the mothership around a month ago following an agreement with China to acquire drones, a mothership, and other related technologies.

‘These drones should be shot down,’ he told FOX News, adding that ‘the military is on full alert with this.’ 

Despite these claims, the Pentagon was quick to refute any connection to an adversary and dismissed the existence of an Iranian mothership near the coast.

Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Sing said in a briefing: ‘At this time we have no evidence that these activities are coming from a foreign entity or the work of an adversary.’

Concern about unexplained UFOs began in mid-November when ‘car-sized’ drones appeared over the US Army’s Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway and President-elect Donald Trump´s golf course in Bedminster.

During a Tuesday congressional hearing, Sen Jon Bramnick (R) said: ‘The State of New Jersey should issue a limited state of emergency banning all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings.’  

The FBI has admitted that it does not know who is behind the flying objects, while the US military insisted it is not responsible. The White House says it is ‘closely’ monitoring the situation.

Rep Chris Smith (R) also spoke during the meeting, revealing a report of 50 drones coming in off the ocean and have followed US Coast Guard boats.

The representative also noted that ‘it could be Putin, Xi Jinping in China or the Middle East, we cannot rule any of that out.’

Mayors in 21 towns across the state have now written a joint letter to New Jersey Gov Phil Murphy calling for statewide action. 

Sing confirmed the craft are not US military drones and said there was ‘no so-called Iranian mothership launching drones to the US.’

The White House also addressed the drones Tuesday evening in a briefing, weeks after New Jersians have been sounded the alarm.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Biden is aware of the matter, but noted she does not know when Biden was briefed. 

‘I cannot make any predictions kind of predictions,’ she said in response to whether the drones are controlled by foreign entities conducting surveillance. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was first alerted about the strange activity around the military base on November 18, six days after the drones were spotted.

The first video footage showed drones with green and red lights on their wings and multiple eyewitnesses described them as large as a small car.

At the hearing, Robert Wheeler, assistant FBI director, said: ‘There is nothing known that would lead me to say that, but we just don’t know and that’s the concerning part.

He told Congress that more than 3,000 sightings had been provided to the agency’s tip line set up last week.

Drones have been reported in 12 counties: Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Ocean, Camden, Burlington, Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris and Warren.

The UFOs have been spotted over water reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments and other military installations.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella also wrote a letter to the FAA and FBI earlier this month, requesting an investigation into the drone sightings on Staten Island, PIX 11 reported.

Wheeler was questioned about whether the public was at risk, to which he responded: ‘Are we concerned there are nefarious intentions that could cause either an actual security or public safety incident?

‘There’s nothing that is known that would lead me to say that, but we just don’t know. And that’s the concerning part of it.’

New Jersians have kept eyes on the skies, reporting the bizarre drones on social media platforms, specifically a dedicated Facebook group.

Resident John Mastrogiovanni shared: ‘They are definitely coming in from the ocean, I live on the bay and can see them every night coming in from the ocean.

’10-15 at a time. Once they hit land, some will turn their lights off and go a different direction and some are low and some high. The ones I saw are low, pretty loud, and sound like an engine on it.

‘They move slowly then speed up pretty quickly it’s every night. They are 4-5′ in size and use green and red lights.’

Kelly Ann from Osborne Island claimed the same sightings, saying the drones came from the north as she looked out to Atlantic City.

‘They follow each other like they are lined up 100 feet apart,’ she said.

Murphy has said the drones do not appear to pose a public safety risk but also noted that ‘this is something we´re taking deadly seriously.

‘I do not blame people for being frustrated,’ Murphy added.

He said Monday that the minute ‘you get eyes on them, they do dark,’ calling the flying craft ‘very sophisticated.

Murphy held a briefing call with the US homeland security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday, as well as representatives in Congress and state police to discuss the drone reports.

The House Subcommittee on counterterrorism, law Enforcement and intelligence also held a hearing on the subject.

You May Also Like
Watch 'Francis: The People's Pope'

View the documentary ‘Francis: The People’s Pope’

The ABC Owned Television Stations are highlighting local communities across the country…
Shedeur Sanders' long wait ends when Cleveland Browns take him in 5th round of NFL draft

Shedeur Sanders gets picked by Cleveland Browns in 5th round of NFL draft, finally ending his long wait

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shedeur Sanders’ wait finally has ended. The Cleveland…
Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft nightmare ends as QB is FINALLY picked by Cleveland Browns after dramatic slide

Shedeur Sanders Breaks NFL Draft Slide with Selection by Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback, has recently experienced a significant setback during…
The politics of Pope Francis' funeral seating plan revealed: How Donald Trump DID get in the front row after all - while Prince William and Keir Starmer are relegated to the cheap seats

Insights into Pope Francis’ funeral seating arrangement: Donald Trump secures front-row seat, Prince William and Keir Starmer placed in back rows

When Pope Francis passed away, the world’s top leaders and dignitaries placed…
Pope Francis bestows legacy of mercy, service, financial reform, environmental protection

Pope Francis leaves a lasting impact through compassion, dedication to helping others, improving financial systems, and promoting environmental care

Among his historical achievements as both the first pontiff from the Global…
Melania Trump looks solemn at Pope Francis' funeral with Donald Trump, as First Lady marks 55th birthday with a rare diplomatic outing in Vatican City

Melania Trump appears serious at Pope Francis’ funeral alongside Donald Trump, celebrating her 55th birthday with a unique diplomatic visit in Vatican City

By MAANYA SACHDEVA Melania Trump is grieving the loss of the ‘People’s…
Bain, member of K-pop group Just B, comes out as gay on final stop of band's world tour

Bain from the K-pop group Just B reveals he is gay at the last show of the band’s global tour

Bain, a 23-year-old member of the K-pop boy band Just B, came…
Pope Francis' funeral schedule, what to expect from the Novendiali, a 9-day period of prayer, mourning

“Pope Francis’ Funeral Schedule: A Guide to the Novendiali Period of Prayer and Mourning”

Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in local…
‘The Sopranos’ Creator Was Unsure James Gandolfini Would Be “Threatening Enough” For Tony Soprano Role

The creator of ‘The Sopranos’ doubted if James Gandolfini could portray a sufficiently intimidating Tony Soprano.

David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, shared insights into the casting…
Jeopardy Liam Starnes: University of Chicago student and Barrington High School alum blows away game show competition

Liam Starnes from University of Chicago and Barrington High School impresses everyone on Jeopardy with his skills

CHICAGO (WLS) — Liam Starnes of Barrington has been enjoying a winning…
‘Étoile’s Luke Kirby And Gideon Glick On Starring In The Palladino’s Ambitious Ballet Series: “This Is Important Stuff. I Think It’s Vital Now.”

Étoile’s Luke Kirby And Gideon Glick Discuss Their Roles in The Palladino’s Ambitious Ballet Series: “This Is Significant. It’s Crucial at the Moment.”

Just after bidding farewell to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in 2023, Luke…
New FBI Chicago Field Office Special Agent in Charge Doug DePodesta says he returned home to help keep city safe | ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive: New Head of FBI Chicago Office, Doug DePodesta, Returns Home to Ensure City’s Safety

CHICAGO (WLS) — There’s a new special agent in charge of the…