New Jersey Officials Criticize Drone Sightings Response

Recent reports of numerous drone sightings over New Jersey have sparked outrage among local officials, who accuse the federal government of downplaying the situation. Mayor Michael Melham of Belleville criticized the government's dismissal of the sightings as mere drone activity, asserting that residents have legitimate concerns about unidentified objects hovering near critical infrastructure. In response to White House spokesperson John Kirby's assertion that there is no national security threat, Rep. Chris Smith called the comments misleading and highlighted reports from Coast Guard members who witnessed drones in close proximity to military assets. Additionally, Senator Chuck Schumer has urged the Department of Homeland Security to deploy advanced drone detection systems to address public safety concerns. Meanwhile, the FBI is investigating the reports, but many residents and officials remain dissatisfied with the federal response, claiming they are being misled regarding the nature of the sightings. The situation continues to develop as pressure mounts for clearer communication from federal authorities.