ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK, N.J. — Amid growing reports of unidentified drone activity over New Jersey, Congressman Chris Smith (R-Manchester) spent Monday night at Island Beach State Park with Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy, raising concerns that the drones may be originating from a ship-based source off the coast, possibly linked to a foreign nation like China.
The unusual sightings, which have unsettled residents and local authorities, prompted Smith to join Mastronardy in monitoring the area. The congressman, a vocal critic of foreign surveillance, compared the situation to the Chinese spy balloon that traversed U.S. airspace last year, highlighting the national security implications of such incursions.
“Understandably, New Jersey residents are very alarmed at this significant and recurring phenomenon—and the tepid response from our state and federal agencies so far is totally unacceptable,” Smith said in a statement Monday night. He urged state and federal authorities to work collaboratively with local law enforcement to address the rising threat posed by unmanned aerial systems and strengthen communication channels to better respond to such incidents.
Smith said he has been in touch with Ocean and Monmouth County sheriffs, along with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. military personnel, to press for action and answers. He called on state and federal agencies to act quickly to identify the drones’ source and purpose, adding that “swift and bold action” is needed to alleviate public concerns and secure the state’s airspace.
Although authorities have yet to determine the origin or intent of the drones, Smith remains committed to pursuing answers. “I will continue working around the clock to ensure law enforcement has all the tools and authorities necessary to identify these unmanned aerial systems and until New Jersey residents have the comprehensive answers they deserve,” he said.