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A group of North Jersey mayors is calling for action from state and federal authorities following a series of drone sightings in the region. The mayors sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Homeland Security, and the New Jersey State Police, criticizing their "reactive instead of proactive approach" to the issue. The drone sightings began in Morris County before Thanksgiving and have since been reported in Sussex, Somerset, and Warren counties, as well as along the Jersey Shore. State Police spotted drones in Lebanon, Hunterdon County, on Saturday night (December 7).
Governor Phil Murphy has convened meetings with federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, to address the situation. Despite these efforts, local officials feel more needs to be done. "We demand that either they present us with the answers or they go and get the answers," the mayors wrote in their letter as reported by northjersey.com. They emphasized the need for authorities to track and identify the drones' origins and operators.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the drones' origins, but there is currently no indication of any threat to public safety. However, the mayors argue that the lack of information is concerning for residents. "Either higher-level officials know what's going on and are not concerned or they are negligent for not apprehending and identifying one of these drones," they stated. The letter was signed by 19 elected officials, including Mayor Sam Morris of Mine Hill and Mayor Ace Gallagher of Hanover.