(NewsNation) — State and local lawmakers are calling on federal officials to be more transparent about recent sightings of drones flying over New Jersey.
On Wednesday, a group of New Jersey lawmakers met with state police and the Department of Homeland Security about the matter, but some were left frustrated about the lack of answers they received.
Republican New Jersey state Rep. Brian Bergen told NewsNation that meeting was “a whole lot of nothing.”
“All they did was tell us they don’t know anything that’s going on,” he said.
Over the past few weeks, people have seen drones near an Army munitions hub, as well as near the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. Reports also came up on Staten Island in New York and in the Philadelphia area.
New Jersey state Rep. Dawn Fantasia, R, said investigators described the drones as being large and up to six feet in diameter. They operated in a coordinated manner, with lights turned off, investigators said according to Fantasia.
She added that investigators do not believe the drones to be ones used by hobbyists.
Federal investigation into New Jersey drones
The Pentagon says it currently does not appear that a foreign enemy is behind them.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew claimed the drones are being launched by an Iranian mothership, but Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said during a Wednesday afternoon briefing there is “not any truth to that.”
With the investigation ongoing, the sheriff in Monmouth County, New Jersey has called for the governor to declare a state of emergency and to issue an executive order banning nighttime use of recreational drones.
Sheriff Shaun Golden says at night, it can be tough for police to identify operators and possible risks including illegal surveillance and aviation hazards. Golden said Congress should pass legislation to help state and local police address the drone issue.
Democrat U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, is asking for more information from law enforcement with so many people asking questions about this.
Letter to Biden administration over New Jersey drone sightings
In a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Chris Wray and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Booker said he recognizes the need to maintain operational security amid the ongoing probes, but there is a “growing sense of uncertainty and urgency” across the state from constituents and officials.
“We need continued transparency and vigilance as authorities investigate unauthorized drone flights across our area,” Booker said on X.