New Jersey state senator calls for limited state of emergency as drone mystery deepens

New Jersey State Senator Calls for Limited State of Emergency Amid Mystery Drone Sightings

A New Jersey state senator has called for a limited state of emergency as the mystery surrounding large drones flying over the Garden State continues to deepen. Republican New Jersey state Sen. Jon Bramnick issued a statement on Tuesday urging the state to issue a ban on all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding the multiple sightings that have been reported.

Reports of large drones flying over President-elect Trump’s Bedminster golf course and near military research sites in New Jersey have been on the rise in recent weeks. Governor Phil Murphy announced on Monday that there were dozens of reports of drones on Sunday alone, prompting concerns about potential security threats.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed on Tuesday that the drones flying over New Jersey were not foreign-controlled. President Biden has been made aware of the situation, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI are currently investigating the incidents.

The Federal Aviation Administration first received reports of drone activity on November 18 in Morris County, which is located nearly 2 miles north of Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Somerset County. Since then, sightings have occurred in various locations across the Garden State, including Mendham and Parsippany.

Governor Murphy stated that there were 49 reports of drones on Sunday, mostly in Hunterdon County. While the drones currently pose no known threat to the public, federal lawmakers from New Jersey have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and communication regarding the drone sightings.

Senator Cory Booker penned a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, seeking better transparency and a comprehensive briefing on the drone activity over New Jersey. Booker emphasized the need to address the growing uncertainty and urgency surrounding the drone sightings.

Representative Jeff Van Drew also expressed his concerns about the lack of transparency and communication with the public regarding the drone sightings. He emphasized the need for answers to alleviate worries about safety and privacy among residents.

The FBI’s assistant director of the Critical Incident Response Group, Robert Wheeler, admitted that the agency knows very little about the mysterious drones spotted hovering over New Jersey. Despite the lack of information, the FBI has been actively investigating the incidents and has called on the public for additional information.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued two temporary flight restrictions in response to the questionable drone activity reported near Trump’s Bedminster golf club. These restrictions cover airspace above Trump Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal, a major U.S. Army hub in Dover, N.J., focused on research and development.

As concerns continue to mount, it is crucial for authorities to provide clear and transparent communication with the public regarding the drone sightings in New Jersey. The safety and security of residents must be prioritized as investigations into these mysterious incidents continue.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. For story tips and ideas, contact Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter @GregWehner.