New Jersey Republican calls out Biden administration over response to drones

Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., didn’t hold back during a recent press conference where he addressed the ongoing mystery surrounding unidentified drone sightings in New Jersey. The sightings have baffled U.S. officials and raised concerns among residents in the Garden State.

Since mid-November, these mysterious drones have been spotted flying over U.S. military installations and New Jersey homes, with similar sightings reported in Connecticut. The situation escalated when Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called for the drones to be “shot down” if necessary.

Despite the growing unease, U.S. officials attempted to downplay the concerns during a phone conference with reporters over the weekend. They claimed there was no evidence linking the drones to foreign adversaries, further fueling speculation and frustration among the public.

Speaking from Seaside Heights, New Jersey, Smith criticized the Biden administration, particularly Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, for failing to identify the origin of these elusive drones. He questioned why authorities couldn’t track the drones to their source, especially since many appeared to be coming from the ocean.

Smith also revealed that he reached out to Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin, urging the U.S. military to authorize the use of force against these mysterious drones. He emphasized the need to take action to uncover the mystery behind the sightings and potentially identify the culprits behind this unusual activity.

Expressing his concerns about possible foreign involvement, Smith suggested that the drones’ sophisticated maneuvering indicated the involvement of a major military power. He raised the alarming possibility that these drones could be deployed by hostile countries like Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea to test U.S. defense capabilities.

The New Jersey representative’s strong stance underscores the urgency of addressing the drone mystery and ensuring the safety and security of residents in the affected areas. With the Pentagon ruling out the possibility that the drones are of U.S. origin, the need for swift and decisive action becomes even more pressing.

As investigations into the drone sightings continue, residents and officials alike remain on high alert, eager to unravel the truth behind this perplexing phenomenon. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threats faced in the modern world and the importance of maintaining vigilance and readiness in the face of potential security risks.

Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.