New Jersey Republican urges Mayorkas and Austin to take action on enigmatic drones: 'Descend them'

Officials stated that there was no evidence linking the drones to foreign adversaries prior to Smith's conference.

New Jersey Republican urges Mayorkas and Austin to take action on enigmatic drones: 'Descend them'
New Jersey Republican urges Mayorkas and Austin to take action on enigmatic drones: 'Descend them'

During a press conference on Saturday, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., criticized the Biden administration regarding the recent drone sightings that have left U.S. officials baffled.

Since mid-November, unidentified drone sightings have been reported flying above U.S. military installations and New Jersey homes, causing concern among residents.

On Thursday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., urged the drones to be "shot down" if required.

On Saturday, U.S. officials spoke with reporters and seemed to minimize worries about the drones, stating that no proof had been found linking the aircraft to hostile nations.

mayorkas-drones
Alejandro Mayorkas was recently called out during a press conference about the sightings of drones in New Jersey. (AP Images/Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press)

In Seaside Heights, New Jersey, Smith questioned DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the unknown origins of the drones.

During a Zoom briefing, I questioned Secretary Mayorkas about why we can't locate the individuals they're coming from.

"What is the reason we cannot trace their source, as it appears that several of them originate from the sea?"

The Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin was contacted by the representative to request authorization for the U.S. military to use force against the unusual drones.

Split image of drone, Trump golf club
Authorities are investigating unusual drone activity in northern New Jersey, including the area of Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.  (Getty Images)

"Smith stated that he had written Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting authorization from the Pentagon to use force against unmanned threats in order to uncover their identity and bring them down over an area with no population."

The politician from New Jersey shared the belief that the drones could be linked to a foreign government.

NJ map
A map showing some of the locations where mystery drones have been spotted in New Jersey in December 2024.  (Planet Chronicle)

The maneuvering of these drones, according to the Republican, indicates a high level of military sophistication. This raises the question of whether they have been used to test our defense capabilities or, even more concerning, by violent dictatorships such as Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea.

"Smith stated, "They had the ability and the desire, according to him." The Pentagon has declared that the drones are not ours."

by Andrea Margolis

us

Memo: DOJ to probe state and local officials impeding immigration enforcement.

Memo: DOJ to probe state and local officials impeding immigration enforcement.

us
After leaving office, Biden visits his favorite California vacation spot.

After leaving office, Biden visits his favorite California vacation spot.

us
Trump's oil and gas drilling executive order receives approval from Alaska leaders.

Trump's oil and gas drilling executive order receives approval from Alaska leaders.

us
Adopted teenagers allege West Virginia mother locked them in shed, mother denies accusations.

Adopted teenagers allege West Virginia mother locked them in shed, mother denies accusations.

us
Law enforcement in Oregon has been cleared of excessive force allegations in a lawsuit brought by protesters in 2020.

Law enforcement in Oregon has been cleared of excessive force allegations in a lawsuit brought by protesters in 2020.

us
Zoo elephants in Colorado cannot seek release as they are not considered human.

Zoo elephants in Colorado cannot seek release as they are not considered human.

us
A Texas mother was arrested after being discovered outside in freezing temperatures with two infants: sheriff's office.

A Texas mother was arrested after being discovered outside in freezing temperatures with two infants: sheriff's office.

us
A man from Maryland is being accused of murdering his girlfriend and concealing her body in a makeshift tomb, according to police reports.

A man from Maryland is being accused of murdering his girlfriend and concealing her body in a makeshift tomb, according to police reports.

us
ICE coordination with NYC imminent for mass migrant deportations, says Adams.

ICE coordination with NYC imminent for mass migrant deportations, says Adams.

us
On Turks and Caicos vacation, a stray bullet kills an American deputy.

On Turks and Caicos vacation, a stray bullet kills an American deputy.

us
Despite Trump's presidency, a new migrant caravan is heading towards the border.

Despite Trump's presidency, a new migrant caravan is heading towards the border.

us
Two individuals were apprehended by California law enforcement in the Palisades Fire evacuation area due to "suspicious" conduct.

Two individuals were apprehended by California law enforcement in the Palisades Fire evacuation area due to "suspicious" conduct.

us
Tragic discovery: A dead woman is found on a NYC subway train by the conductor.

Tragic discovery: A dead woman is found on a NYC subway train by the conductor.

us
Police apprehend armed smugglers linked to foreign prison gang and cartel in US sting operation.

Police apprehend armed smugglers linked to foreign prison gang and cartel in US sting operation.

us
An Alabama police officer shot and killed a Georgia fire chief who had stopped to assist a driver who struck a deer.

An Alabama police officer shot and killed a Georgia fire chief who had stopped to assist a driver who struck a deer.

us
An agent from the U.S. Border Patrol who was killed in Vermont has been identified.

An agent from the U.S. Border Patrol who was killed in Vermont has been identified.

us