Congressman Chris Smith (R-Manchester) held a press conference in Seaside Heights to update the public on ongoing investigations into unidentified drone activity reported across New Jersey. Smith was joined by law enforcement and local officials, who described their efforts to address the mysterious sightings and the steps being taken to enhance public safety.
During the conference, Rep. Smith emphasized the urgent need for federal intervention. He highlighted that current laws limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to take decisive action against potentially dangerous drones.
“State and local law enforcement are precluded by law from taking more decisive action, which is why the Department of Defense must step in,” Smith said. “Sheriff Golden recently requested legislation to empower state police to better protect at-risk persons and infrastructure. I’m drafting that bill now and will introduce it soon.”
Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy shared findings from the county’s drone patrol program, which has been operational for over eight years. The sheriff described recent incidents, including drone sightings at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour—far surpassing the capabilities of standard police drones.
“In one instance, a sergeant documented a drone traveling at high speed around our tethered drone,” Mastronardy reported. “On another night, a certified officer from another agency reported seeing 50 drones coming off the ocean and flying toward the mainland near Island Beach State Park.”
READ: Mysterious Drone Activity Sparks Concern In Connecticut, State Police Investigation
Mastronardy noted that while some reports can be attributed to planes or natural phenomena, the drones observed flying at altitudes of less than 1,000 feet remain unexplained. He added that the drones appear to signal their presence with lights, making them visible to both residents and law enforcement.
Increased Collaboration
The investigation has involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, and local sheriff’s offices from neighboring counties such as Monmouth, Cape May, and Atlantic. A Coast Guard cutter was deployed from Barnegat Light to monitor the situation offshore.
Sheriff Mastronardy stressed the importance of federal transparency, saying, “If this is a government operation, they should tell us. We just want answers. In the meantime, we are documenting everything we can and will continue working with our partners to address this issue.”
READ: Lawmakers Demand Answers On Drone Sightings In New Jersey And New York
The drone sightings have sparked widespread concern among residents, amplified by viral social media posts. Law enforcement urged the public to rely on verified reports rather than speculation and emphasized their commitment to ensuring safety.
“Our CSI teams are deployed to investigate each report, and we’re using specialized camera lenses to differentiate between drones and other aerial objects,” Mastronardy said. “We need to stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary panic.”
Rep. Smith reiterated his commitment to seeking answers and expanding local authority to handle such incidents. “We must act swiftly to empower state and local agencies while demanding greater accountability from federal authorities,” Smith concluded.
Residents are encouraged to report drone activity to local authorities as the investigation continues. Authorities plan to release further updates as new information becomes available.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.