Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas claimed that the strange drones being reported in New Jersey and other states are not “nefarious.”
“We know of no threat or nefarious activity, and I want to repeat, Wolf, that if we learn of any cause for concern, we will be transparent in our communication,” he stated during an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Friday.
The initial drone sightings were reported in several communities last month, with a significant number occurring in Hunterdon and Morris counties, New Jersey.
Since then, similar objects have been observed in other states, including New York, Delaware, and even Philadelphia.
The Pentagon weighed in on Wednesday, dismissing the idea that any foreign country was behind the drones spotted near sensitive U.S. military zones in New Jersey.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has appealed to President Joe Biden for additional federal assistance to handle the situation.
“While I am sincerely grateful for your administration’s leadership in addressing this concerning issue, it has become apparent that more resources are needed to fully understand what is behind this activity,” Murphy penned in a letter addressed to the president on Thursday.
He continued, stating, “New Jersey residents deserve more concrete information about these UAS sightings and what is causing them.
The continued reporting of UAS activity has raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories on social media and other online platforms.”
Murphy reiterated the necessity of federal support, stressing that existing laws restrict state and local authorities from taking decisive action against the large drones occupying New Jersey airspace.
Adding to the discussion, President-elect Donald Trump voiced his concerns on Friday evening, posting bluntly on Truth Social about the need for quick action against the drones.
“Mystery Drone sightings all over the Country. Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!! DJT” he wrote.
When asked to respond to Trump’s comments, Mayorkas doubled down on previous statements, claiming that there hasn’t been anything out of the ordinary or any safety risks.
“We can’t just shoot a drone out of the sky,” Mayorkas responded, clarifying limitations in current legal authority.
He also noted that his department had asked Congress multiple times for expanded powers to counter drone-related incidents.
“We have gone to Congress repeatedly asking for more authority to counter drone activity, and we have also asked for more authority to give to state and local officials under our supervision, because it correctly notes those authorities need to be expanded,” he added.
Echoing Mayorkas, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, reiterated there’s no evidence suggesting threats to public safety or national security.
“We haven’t seen any indication thus far that there’s a public safety risk,” Kirby assured on Thursday.
What a despicable administration!
Biden IN ON the drones