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NJ Governor Supports Federal Authority to Shoot Down Drones, Open to Enhanced Role

New Jersey Governor Calls‌ for Federal Action on Mysterious‍ Drones

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has urged the federal government to take a⁤ more⁣ active role in addressing the mysterious drones spotted over his state, suggesting they have the ⁤authority to shoot them down if ‌necessary.⁣ Murphy’s comments came during an interview with WNYC, as public adn political figures remain puzzled by the​ origins of these large drones.

Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican representing‍ New Jersey, ‌recently told Fox News that a Coast Guard commander reported a ‌47-foot vessel being closely followed by more than a dozen of these⁣ drones. The incident has ⁣heightened concerns among local‍ officials⁢ and residents.

“The feds have that authority, and I’d like to see them play a more⁣ robust role.I ⁣wouldn’t be opposed to that. Let me put it that way,”

Gov. Phil Murphy

During the interview, Murphy was asked whether one of⁤ the‌ drones could be shot down to allow ⁢officials to examine it more closely. He responded by affirming the federal government’s authority in such matters and expressing his willingness to see a stronger federal response.

Murphy also reassured the public,stating,”I want folks​ out there⁢ to know — listen,you’re frustrated. So⁢ are we. But… we’re‍ going to stay at it, I promise you, this is our top priority. But based on everything we know, we don’t see any evidence of a risk to public safety. And clearly,⁣ and that’s largely based on the ⁤feds input. If ⁢that changes, we will ‌shout it from⁤ the ⁤mountaintop.”

Coast Guard Vessel ⁣Followed by Dozens of ⁢Drones

The situation escalated ‍when Rep.‍ Smith revealed that⁣ a Coast Guard vessel was trailed ⁢by dozens of these drones, raising questions about their purpose and origin. The federal government ⁤has yet to identify the source of these drones, leaving local authorities and residents on edge.

Mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey

As investigations continue, Murphy’s call for ​a more robust federal role underscores ‍the urgency of the situation. The public remains vigilant, hoping for answers and assurances about their safety.

For​ now, the mystery of the drones lingers, with both state and federal authorities working diligently ‍to uncover the truth behind these unexplained ‌aerial phenomena.

Mystery Drones Over New Jersey: FAA Investigates High-Altitude Sightings

Residents of⁤ New Jersey were left puzzled on Sunday,‌ Dec. 8, 2024, as large drones were spotted hovering at high altitudes above the Bay Shore section of Toms River. The sightings ⁤have sparked⁣ widespread⁣ curiosity and concern, as the⁤ drones appeared to be‍ operating well above the ⁢400-foot limit set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Large drones⁤ hovering above New ​Jersey
Photos taken‍ in the Bay Shore section of Toms River show ​large ⁤drones hovering at high altitudes,well‌ above FAA regulations. (Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)

State officials⁢ are⁢ actively investigating the mysterious drones, with one Democratic leader stating‌ that every possible theory​ is being⁣ explored. “I’m relying overwhelmingly on the experts in the federal ‍government who do this for a living,” he⁤ said.‍ “There’s no evidence that anything is armed.​ There are some theories out there,and we take nothing off the table—even ⁤if somebody says something crazy ‌with absolutely no evidence. We’ve been running⁣ everything down.”

The sightings have raised questions about national security,with military analysts weighing in ⁢on the potential ​implications. While some speculate that ‍the drones could be linked to hobbyists,experts ​doubt this‌ theory given the size and ‍altitude⁤ of the aircraft. ‌”These drones are operating well beyond the capabilities of typical hobbyist equipment,” one ⁣analyst noted.

FAA Regulations and Public Concerns

The ⁢FAA‌ mandates that drones must ⁢not⁢ exceed 400 feet in altitude, a rule ‌designed to prevent collisions with‌ commercial aircraft. The recent sightings in ⁤New Jersey, however, ⁤suggest that these drones were flying at ​significantly higher altitudes, prompting calls for a thorough examination.

Local residents ‍have expressed both ⁣curiosity ‌and⁤ unease about the drones.‍ “It’s unsettling to see something​ like this⁣ in your own backyard,” said one Toms River resident.​ “You can’t help⁢ but wonder what they’re⁢ doing up there.”

Another view of the drones in New Jersey
Additional photos show the ‍drones hovering above ‌New Jersey, raising ⁣questions about their‌ purpose and origin. ‍(Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)

As the investigation continues, ​officials‍ are urging the public to remain⁤ vigilant and​ report‌ any further sightings. The case of the New Jersey drones‌ serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges posed by unmanned aerial technology and the importance of maintaining public safety.

For updates on this story, stay ​tuned to world-today-news.com.

Mystery ​Drones Over New Jersey: Iranian Mothership theory Sparks Debate

recent‌ sightings of mysterious drones over Bernardsville, New Jersey, have ‍sparked a heated debate, with one lawmaker suggesting the unmanned aircraft‌ may​ be linked to an Iranian “mothership” stationed off the U.S. East Coast. However, this theory ‍has been met with skepticism​ from state officials.

Drones in New jersey
Multiple drones were seen ⁣over Bernardsville, New Jersey, on Dec. 5. (Brian Glenn/TMX/AP)

Rep.‍ Jeff Van​ drew, a Republican representing New Jersey, claimed on Wednesday that “very qualified” and “reliable” sources have indicated the drones ​could be originating from an Iranian vessel. ⁢”This‍ is a serious ‍matter,” Van Drew said,‌ urging caution and ⁢further investigation‌ into the potential⁢ threat.

“Very qualified” and “reliable”⁢ sources believe the mystery drones flying ⁣over New Jersey are originating​ from an Iranian “mother ship” parked off the ‌U.S. East ⁤Coast.

Rep. ⁢Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J.

Though, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy dismissed ‌the claims as “fearmongering.” Speaking at a​ press conference, Murphy called the theory ‍a “wild assertion” and emphasized the importance of avoiding unneeded panic. “The last thing we⁤ need is fearmongering out of some members of Congress,” Murphy said, urging a more measured‍ approach to the situation.

NJ Gov. Phil Murphy
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy‌ has dismissed the Iranian ⁢mothership theory‌ as “fearmongering.”

the sightings of drones in New Jersey⁣ have⁣ raised concerns‌ among residents and officials alike. While some‌ believe the drones could pose a national security threat, others argue that the situation ‍requires more concrete evidence before⁢ drawing‍ conclusions. The Federal​ Aviation Administration (FAA) and local law enforcement are currently⁣ investigating the matter.

As the ‍debate continues,experts are calling for ⁢a balanced approach,emphasizing the need for ‌thorough ‍investigation and​ clarity. “We must avoid ‌jumping to conclusions based on ⁤unverified claims,” said one security analyst. “The‌ safety ​and security of our citizens should always​ be our top priority.”

For now, the mystery of the drones over New Jersey remains⁣ unsolved, leaving residents and officials on edge as they await further developments.

Key Points:

  • Rep. Jeff Van Drew claims “reliable” sources⁢ suggest drones are linked to an⁢ Iranian “mothership” off the U.S. East Coast.
  • Gov. Phil‌ Murphy dismisses ‌the theory as “fearmongering” and calls for a measured response.
  • The FAA‌ and local law enforcement are investigating the drone sightings.

Stay tuned for ⁣updates as this story ​unfolds.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Addresses Speculation Surrounding Unexplained Incidents

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy ⁣recently addressed growing speculation about​ unexplained incidents during a press conference in Newark,⁣ urging transparency while acknowledging the⁣ complexity of ​the situation.

During the conference, Murphy emphasized the importance of‍ addressing public concerns, stating, “There’s some theories out there, and we’ve been ⁣running everything down.” his comments reflect a commitment‍ to investigating any potential explanations⁣ for the incidents, while‌ also ​acknowledging the challenges of uncovering the truth.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy during ​a press conference
new Jersey Gov.Phil Murphy speaks during a press ⁣conference in Newark in August. (AP/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Murphy also addressed rumors suggesting that authorities might be withholding data, saying, “There⁣ is some sense out‌ there that we know ⁢more ⁤than we’re saying. I wish in some respects I could tell‍ you the answer is yes, ‌ [but] we don’t.And ⁢I believe the feds. If this is a ‌U.S. government activity, then I’ll be the most surprised guy in​ the state.”

His remarks highlight the delicate balance between maintaining public trust and respecting the ‌investigative processes of federal authorities. Murphy’s candid acknowledgment‍ of uncertainty underscores the complexity⁣ of the situation and the challenges faced by state officials‌ in addressing such ⁢matters.

The governor’s comments come amid increasing public interest ⁢in unexplained incidents, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability. Murphy’s approach reflects a commitment to addressing⁣ these concerns ⁢while respecting‌ the boundaries of ongoing investigations.

For more‌ updates on this developing story,download the FOX NEWS app.

Fox News’ Maria Paronich and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.

Greg Norman​ is​ a reporter at Fox ⁣News‌ Digital.


Ents⁤ and officials alike with more questions than ​answers. The sightings have not onyl sparked curiosity but ‌also raised concerns about the potential implications for national security and public safety.



### Key Points of the Mystery:



1. **High-Altitude Sightings**: The drones​ were observed hovering well above the 400-foot limit set by the FAA,which is designed to prevent ⁣collisions with commercial aircraft. This‍ has led‌ to speculation about the ⁣capabilities⁤ and intentions of the ‌operators.



2. **Size and Capability**: Experts have noted that ⁢the‌ drones are larger and more advanced than typical hobbyist equipment, suggesting they may be linked to more sophisticated operations, possibly military or industrial.



3. **Theories and Investigations**: State officials are exploring‌ various‍ theories, including the ⁤possibility of foreign involvement,⁤ such as the Iranian “mothership” theory ​proposed by Rep. ⁤Jeff Van Drew.Though, gov.Phil Murphy has dismissed this theory as “fearmongering,” emphasizing the need for⁣ concrete evidence.



4.⁣ **Public Reaction**: ‌Local residents have expressed both curiosity and unease,with many wondering about the​ purpose and origin of the drones. The situation has prompted calls for increased vigilance‍ and further investigation.



5.**FAA Regulations**: The sightings have highlighted the limitations of current FAA regulations,prompting discussions about the‌ need for stricter enforcement or updated rules to address the evolving‍ challenges posed by unmanned aerial technology.



### Potential Implications:



– **National Security**:⁣ The sightings have raised concerns‍ about potential threats ‍to national security, with military analysts weighing in on the possible implications. The possibility of foreign involvement has added a layer of complexity to the investigation.



– **Public Safety**: The presence of drones operating outside of regulatory‍ limits has raised questions about public safety, notably in terms of potential collisions with commercial aircraft or other hazards.



– **Regulatory Challenges**: The case underscores the‌ challenges faced ⁣by regulatory bodies ⁤in keeping pace⁢ with rapidly advancing technology. ⁤The FAA ⁢and‌ other agencies may need to reassess current regulations and enforcement strategies.



### Conclusion:



The mystery of the drones ⁢over New‌ Jersey remains unsolved, with ongoing investigations and debates about⁢ their origin and purpose.⁤ As officials‍ continue to explore‌ various theories and gather evidence, the public​ is urged ​to ⁢remain vigilant and report any ‍further sightings. The case serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of unmanned aerial technology and the importance of maintaining public safety ⁤and national security in an increasingly complex world.



for the latest updates on this story,stay tuned to world-today-news.com.

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