New Jersey State Assemblyman Brian Bergen, a former Apache helicopter pilot, launched a scathing critique of White House spokesman John Kirby on Thursday over Kirby’s dismissal of reports about mysterious drone swarms over the Garden State.
The drones, some reportedly flying in formation, have been seen across New Jersey skies for weeks. Video captured the unusual activity, prompting concerns from residents and officials alike.
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During a White House press briefing, Kirby downplayed the sightings, claiming they were “manned aircraft being operated lawfully.”
“That guy is an idiot,” Bergen responded during an appearance on Fox News’ America Reports. “The colonel of the state police told the members of the state legislature that one of his helicopters was hovering above a six-foot-wide drone, and he landed that helicopter because he felt unsafe for his pilots. I’m a former Apache helicopter pilot, and I’ve seen these things in my own community. If [Kirby] says there’s no issue, he’s a fool.”
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Fox News co-host John Roberts noted Kirby’s credentials as a former U.S. Navy rear admiral, prompting Bergen to quip, “Go Army, beat Navy—that’s what I would say in this regard.”
Roberts compared the drone situation to the February 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident, which saw a surveillance balloon traverse the United States before being shot down off the coast of South Carolina. Bergen agreed that swift action is necessary.
“We need people to take action,” Bergen urged. “We don’t need to track hundreds of these drones; we only need to track one and find out who is responsible. I hope it turns out to be nothing—some commercial application being tested—but right now, this is a big issue. Senators, assembly people, U.S. senators—everyone is calling for action, but we’re not seeing enough done.”
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Bergen also criticized delays in deploying drone-tracking technology promised by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). State police had briefed lawmakers that they would soon receive new equipment capable of distinguishing drones from birds, making tracking more effective.
“One of my colleagues asked, ‘When are you going to get that?’ They said, ‘Within two days.’ Two days? We need it now,” Bergen stressed. “This isn’t something we can wait on. The safety of our skies is at stake.”
The drone sightings have sparked growing concerns among New Jersey residents and officials, with many urging authorities to determine the source and purpose of the activity. Bergen emphasized the importance of immediate action to address the potential threat and ensure public safety.
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