Homeland Security officials meet with lawmakers about mysterious drone flights in New Jersey

Homeland Security officials meet with lawmakers about mysterious drone flights in New Jersey

Homeland Security officials in New Jersey met with state and local lawmakers Wednesday to discuss the recent spate of drone sightings across the state.

Dozens of mysterious night flights began last month, sparking growing concern among residents and officials. Part of the concern stems from the flying objects initially spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and production facility. and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but are subject to local regulations and Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.

Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists.

The number of sightings has increased in recent days, although officials say many of the objects seen may have been aircraft rather than drones. It is also possible that a single drone was reported more than once.

Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones do not appear to pose a threat to public safety. The FBI has begun an investigation and asked residents to share any videos, photos and other information they may have.

Many local lawmakers have called for greater restrictions on who can fly the unmanned devices. At least one state lawmaker has proposed a temporary ban on drone flights in the state.

“This is something we take absolutely seriously. “I don’t blame people for being frustrated,” Murphy said earlier this week.

Details of Wednesday’s meeting were not immediately announced. A spokesman for the Democratic governor said he was not present.

Republican Rep. Erik Peterson, whose district includes parts of the state where the drones have been reported, said he and other lawmakers met with Department of Homeland Security and state police officials for about 90 minutes at a state police facility in West Trenton.

Peterson said DHS officials were generous with their time but appeared to dismiss some concerns and said it had not been confirmed that drones were involved in any reported sightings.

So who or what is behind the flying objects? Where are you from? What are you doing? “As far as I know, they have no idea,” Peterson said.

A message seeking comment on Peterson’s comments was left with the Department of Homeland Security.

Most of the drones have been spotted in coastal areas and some recently reportedly flew over a large reservoir in Clinton. Sightings have also been reported in neighboring states, including the New York City area as well as Delaware County and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.

James Edwards of Succasunna, New Jersey, said he has seen some drones flying over his neighborhood since last month.

“It’s particularly concerning because there’s so much unknown,” Edwards said Wednesday. “There are a lot of people talking about various conspiracies that they believe are at play here, but that just adds unnecessary fuel to the fire.” We need to wait and see what’s really happening here and not get distracted by it Letting fear of the unknown overwhelm you.”

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AP reporter Mike Catalini contributed to this report.

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