NJ lawmaker responds to Pentagon's dismissal of drone-Iran link claim: 'Strength and intelligence'

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., responded after high-ranking officials rejected his claims, based on "very qualified" and "reliable" sources, that mystery drones flying over New Jersey airspace were linked to an Iranian "mothership" parked off the U.S. East Coast.

"Van Drew stated on "America's Newsroom" on Thursday that they have been both incredibly stupid and incredibly weak in their actions."

"We know that these drones are not backyard hobbyist models because they are far more advanced. We also know that they are not commercial companies operating within the US because we do not possess this level of sophistication. We are a full decade behind China in drone technology. The government denies any involvement, but who else could be responsible?"

He continued, "I have reliable sources with high security ratings who have come to me and expressed their concerns. These individuals, who have security clearance, believe there is a possibility that the ship not on the coast of New Jersey could be from Iran. According to the Coast Guard, these drones are entering and exiting the ocean. They are not pontoons or landing on the water. Instead, they are landing on something. We are not being told the truth, and the government is treating the American public as if we are stupid."

For about a month, mystery drones have been flying over New Jersey, appearing over residential areas with flashing lights and no discernible purpose, causing officials and residents to request information about their source.

On Wednesday, Van Drew, a member of the Transportation Committee and the Aviation Subcommittee, stated that he received information from reliable sources about the mysterious aircraft originating from an Iranian mothership. However, this claim has not been confirmed. Additionally, he urged the drones to be destroyed.

During a Wednesday briefing, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh rejected Van Drew's allegations when asked about them by Planet Chronicle chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin.

She stated that there is no Iranian ship near the US coast and no "mothership" is launching drones towards the US.

Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey, a Democrat, rejected the claim, stating that the Defense Department had no evidence to support it.

"The FBI stated there was no evidence. I'm unsure what Van Drew has been viewing recently, but he may want to tune in to the news... he added, emphasizing that the matter is of utmost importance to him."

Last Thursday, X posted on Murphy's account that "there is no known threat to the public at this time." State officials have stated that they are taking the mystery drone sightings "seriously."

Van Drew responded to dismissals by stating that these drones could potentially be launched from a ship, even hundreds of miles out at sea.

These drones can travel further distances than usual. They are not commonly seen in the US, so there is a possibility that they could be from China. However, it is also possible that they belong to someone else. The truth is, no one knows for sure what these drones are or where they come from. The government has not taken one down for analysis, and they have no idea where they originated. This lack of knowledge is unacceptable. The government should take one of these drones down, analyze it, and inform the public about what is really happening.

"It's disrespectful to the public and Congress to assume that they know more than they're telling us. It's time for them to be honest and level with the truth."