An FBI senior official stated today that they are still actively investigating the unidentified drone activity over New Jersey, including over sensitive areas and areas of concern. The official admitted they do not yet know if the drones pose a threat to national security or public safety, nor whether they are being operated by an individual or a group.

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden has also sent a letter to Congressman Chris Smith requesting his support in addressing the challenges posed by drones.

“While drones can provide numerous benefits, they also pose risks to public safety, emergency service operations, critical infrastructure, and unauthorized surveillance,” Golden said.

Golden continued, “To address these risks effectively, I urge your support in the following areas:”

1. Mandatory Deconfliction Reporting for Non-Emergency Drone Operations

To avoid potential conflicts and enhance situational awareness, we propose the establishment of a mandatory reporting mechanism for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies regarding non-emergency drone operations. Such a requirement would facilitate coordination and accountability, reducing the risk of unintentional interference with public safety missions. Specifically, we propose implementing system transponders for each retailer’s drone, ensuring that they transmit a unique communications ID. This ID would be integrated into a public radar system, providing enhanced visibility and accountability. This approach supports safety, regulatory compliance, and fosters public trust by enabling real-time monitoring of drone operations.

2. Funding for Drone Detection and Mitigation Equipment for First Responders

The deployment of advanced drone detection and mitigation systems is essential to safeguarding critical infrastructure and public events. Federal funding specifically allocated for first responders to acquire these technologies would empower law enforcement to proactively address unauthorized drone activity.

3. FCC and FAA Authorization for State Police Use of De-Drone Equipment

Current federal regulations limit the ability of law enforcement to deploy counter-drone measures against drones operating illegally or over sensitive areas. We request that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provide necessary authorizations to enable state police across the country to utilize de-drone equipment, ensuring timely and effective intervention in cases of unauthorized UAS activity, particularly during large group gatherings and near critical infrastructure.

“Monmouth County has taken great strides in leveraging technology to protect our communities, but these measures require federal support to be truly effective. As a dedicated advocate for public safety, your assistance in advancing these initiatives would be instrumental in maintaining the security and resilience of our region,” concluded Golden.

Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) has also sent a letter urging U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to immediately utilize all capabilities at his disposal to identify and address the widespread drone activity across New Jersey, as serious concerns continue to mount over potential threats to the state.

Smith’s letter follows a briefing from a U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer stationed in Barnegat Light, who reported that more than a dozen drones followed a USCG motor lifeboat in close pursuit over the weekend.

“As you no doubt are also aware, there have been numerous instances of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, including in close proximity to sensitive sites and critical infrastructure, to include military installations located in my district,” said Smith.

He added, “As you know, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) possesses capabilities to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems and has utilized this capability to address overflights of the installation.”

He continued, “I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by JBMDL, to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey.”

Smith, who spent hours with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy on Monday evening monitoring the New Jersey sky from the Sheriff’s Mobile Command Center, expressed deep concern over the potential threats posed by the drones.

“The serious concerns of New Jersey residents need to be put to rest with answers—not empty reassurances,” said Smith. “The time to act is now.”

Senator Jon Bramnick took to social media platform X, stating that the State of New Jersey should issue a limited state of emergency banning all drones until the public receives an explanation of what is happening.