US says drones flying over New Jersey aren't a threat, but lawmakers aren't so sure

Hundreds of drone sightings that began in mid-November over New Jersey have residents paying more attention to the night sky as lawmakers demand answers from the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Though its not known who is controlling the drones, there is no evidence they pose a threat to national security or public safety, officials said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Can you shoot down a drone? No, you can't.

White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said the drones spotted by residents are lawfully operated manned aircraft, and are not a threat. They are not U.S. military drones and don’t appear to be from a foreign country or entity, he said.

But some state lawmakers want more information from the federal government about the drones.

Where have drones been spotted?

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The drones, some described as large as bicycles or small cars, were first seen near Morris County on Nov. 18, according to CNN.

Unmanned craft have flown over Naval Weapons Station Earle, Picatinny Arsenal and the National Guard, Homeland Security officials said, according to the Asbury Park Press, part of the Paste BN Network.

A public affairs official confirmed at least two drone flights in Naval Weapons Station Earle airspace but said no direct threats were detected, DefenseScoop said.

On Sunday night, more than a dozen drones reportedly followed a 47-foot Coast Guard boat near Island Beach State Park, harassing the crew, according to U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th District, the Asbury Park Press reported.

How large are the New Jersey drones?

The drones, described as 6 feet in diameter, fly only at night, from dusk to 11 p.m., according to New Jersey lawmakers, Paste BN reported.

Analysis of drone images indicate they are manned aircraft flying legally in the area, FBI and DHS officials said. There have been no reported drone sightings in restricted air spaces, the officials said. 

Drones reported to be flying in swarms

The drones are moving in swarms, said New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, citing statements made by the DHS to New Jersey legislators, the Asbury Park Press reported.

State lawmakers said they were told by government officials that the drones fly for six to seven hours and called their battery life “extraordinary.” They said the federal government’s radar, an electro-optical infrared camera, did not detect the drones, Paste BN said. Normally, the camera can detect drones 1 to 2 miles away or 10 miles away for larger airborne vehicles.

Agencies investigating the drones include local and state officials in New Jersey, the FBI, DHS and the Federal Aviation Administration, Paste BN reported.

CONTRIBUTING Lisa Robyn Kruse, Asbury Park Press; Saleen Martin and Fernando Cervantes Jr., Paste BN

SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; Reuters