What's happened
New Jersey officials are investigating a series of mysterious drone sightings that began last month, raising public safety concerns. Governor Phil Murphy and Congressman Jeff Van Drew have commented on the situation, with Van Drew suggesting a foreign connection, which the Pentagon has denied.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Graig Graziosi from The Independent, Governor Phil Murphy has assured the public that the drones do not pose a threat, while Congressman Jeff Van Drew has raised concerns about a possible foreign connection, stating, 'I've learned, for real, that there is circumstantial evidence that there's an Iranian mothership off the East Coast.' However, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh refuted this claim, stating, 'there is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States.' AP News reports that the FBI is actively investigating the sightings and has requested residents to share any relevant footage. The situation has prompted discussions among lawmakers about potential restrictions on drone operations in New Jersey.
How we got here
The drone sightings started in November 2024, primarily near military facilities and high-profile locations. The FBI is involved in the investigation, and local lawmakers are calling for stricter regulations on drone operations.
Common question
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