New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says the federal government has the authority to shoot down the mysterious drones spotted over his state and he “wouldn’t mind” if they took a “stronger role” in the matter.

Murphy made the remark during an interview with WNYC as the public and lawmakers continue to be puzzled about the origins of the large drones. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., told Fox News this week that a Coast Guard commander said, “One of their 47-foot vessels, boats, was being followed very closely by more than a dozen of these drones.”

When the interviewer suggested whether one of the drones could be shot down so officials could take a closer look, Murphy said, “Federal authorities have that authority, and I would like to see them play a stronger role.” I wouldn’t do that.” against it. Let me put it this way.

“I want people out there to know: Listen, you’re frustrated. Us too. But… we’re sticking with it, I promise you, it’s our top priority. But based on everything we know.” “We see no evidence of a threat to public safety. And that’s largely based on what the government says. If that changes, we will shout it from the top.”

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Photos taken in the Bay Shore section of the Toms River show what appear to be large drones hovering at high altitudes in New Jersey on Sunday, December 8, 2024. The drones appeared to be well above the FAA’s permitted altitude of 400 feet. (Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)

The Democrat said his state government has rejected any theory about what the source of the drones might be.

“I rely mostly on the experts in the federal government who do this for a living. There is no evidence that anyone is armed,” he said. “There are some theories. We’re not taking anything off the table here either. Even if someone says something crazy that there is absolutely no evidence for. We downplayed everything.”

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On December 5, several drones were spotted over Bernardsville, New Jersey. (Brian Glenn/TMX/AP)

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., said Wednesday that “very qualified” and “reliable” sources believe the mysterious drones flying over New Jersey came from an Iranian “mother ship” that was off the coast East coast of the USA is parked.

However, Murphy called that a “wild claim” and added, “The last thing we need is to panic some members of Congress.”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks during a news conference in Newark in August. He said this week: “There are some theories” and “we have downplayed everything.” (AP/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

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“There is a certain feeling out there that we know more than we say. I wish I could tell you in some ways that the answer is yes, (but) we don’t know that. And I believe the feds. If this is the U.S. government activity, then I will be the most surprised guy in the state,” he concluded.

Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.