FBI leader says it’s ‘concerning’ how little his agency knows about mysterious drones seen over New Jersey

A high-ranking FBI official recently disclosed that the agency is facing a significant lack of information regarding the mysterious drones that have been spotted hovering over New Jersey. During a congressional hearing, FBI Assistant Director of the Critical Incident Response Group Robert Wheeler expressed his concerns about the limited knowledge the agency has regarding these unidentified drones.

Wheeler stated that while there is currently no evidence to suggest that Americans are in immediate danger, the lack of information about the drones is alarming. These drones have been observed flying in close proximity to sensitive locations such as military research facilities, prompting an investigation by the FBI.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy revealed that there have been 49 reports of drone sightings in Hunterdon County alone on a single day. The FBI has reached out to the public for assistance in gathering additional information about these mysterious drones.

The joint hearing of two Homeland Security subcommittees on unmanned aerial systems shed light on the FBI’s ongoing investigation. Wheeler admitted that the agency has yet to determine the individuals or group responsible for the drone flights. This uncertainty has raised concerns among lawmakers, with Rep. Anthony Gonzales of Texas questioning the allocation of resources towards counter-drone efforts.

According to Wheeler, the FBI budget earmarks approximately $500,000 for counter-drone technology and deployment. This revelation prompted criticism from lawmakers, who expressed frustration over the lack of progress in identifying the source of the drones.

In addition to the FBI’s efforts, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officials revealed that they had recorded 6,900 drone flights near U.S. borders over a six-week period. Despite the significant number of drone sightings, CBP lacked the necessary funding for counter-drone procedures.

Experts have raised concerns about the potential involvement of foreign adversaries in deploying these drones. The use of larger drones resembling “drone motherships” that launch smaller drones has raised suspicions about possible foreign interference in New Jersey.

The lack of a clear protocol for addressing drone threats was highlighted by a previous incident at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where unmanned vehicles breached restricted airspace for over two weeks. The absence of legal authority to neutralize these threats has prompted calls for Congress to grant law enforcement agencies greater power to engage with suspicious drones.

As the DOJ’s current counter-drone authorities are set to expire, officials are urging Congress to renew and expand these powers to enhance national security. The need for collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to address the growing threat posed by drones has become a top priority.

In conclusion, the mystery surrounding the drones in New Jersey continues to baffle authorities, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated response to address this emerging national security concern.