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(TJV) Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas dismissed widespread concerns about drone sightings across New Jersey and other areas, stating there is no evidence of threats or nefarious activity. Despite calls from lawmakers and President-elect Donald Trump for greater transparency or decisive action, Mayorkas emphasized that the government lacks unilateral authority to take down drones.
Mayorkas: Drone Sightings Misinterpreted
In an interview on CNN’s The Situation Room, Mayorkas sought to alleviate fears about drones reportedly flying over New Jersey, New York, Washington D.C., and Maryland. He stated that many sightings are likely misidentified small aircraft or recreational drones operated by hobbyists, noting, “We know of no threat or any nefarious activity.”
NEW: Alejandro Mayorkas says there is nothing they can do about the NJ drones because they don’t have the “authority” and suggests people are just mistaking them for drones bought at “convenience stores.”
Biggest clown in America.
Mayorkas says people might simply be mistaking… pic.twitter.com/Ln0d43yfFL
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 13, 2024
Mayorkas highlighted duplicative reports as a factor inflating the perception of drone prevalence. “If six people report the same drone, it looks like six separate sightings,” he explained, adding that deployed state-of-the-art technology in New Jersey has not confirmed the presence of drones in many reported cases.
No Evidence of Threats or Restricted Airspace Violations
Mayorkas reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm, explaining that indicators of malicious activity, such as drones turning off their lights or penetrating restricted airspace, have not been observed. He underscored the benign nature of most sightings, saying, “A 15-year-old can buy a drone and fly it for fun. We have not seen drones acting suspiciously.”
Lack of Authority to Shoot Down Drones
Responding to calls to shoot down drones, Mayorkas clarified that DHS lacks the legal authority to do so in most cases. “Our authorities are limited,” he said, explaining that only certain agencies like the Coast Guard, Secret Service, and Customs and Border Protection have jurisdiction in specific contexts.
Sen. Blumenthal and Other Officials Raise Alarms
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticized federal agencies, including DHS, for insufficient transparency about drone activity. “It’s alarming that they claim to know nothing about these drones,” he said, urging alternative methods to remove drones safely.
New Jersey officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker, have also expressed concerns. Belleville Mayor Michael Melham revealed that state briefings advised local authorities to call bomb squads if drones are recovered and instructed fire departments to use HAZMAT suits as a precaution.
Trump Demands Transparency or Action
President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy, accusing the Biden administration of withholding information. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged the government to disclose details about the drones or take decisive action to shoot them down.
WATCH: Fox’s @ByronYork calls out Mayorkas playing down drone sightings: “The lack of transparency here is just extraordinary, especially since you have actual officialdom raising real questions about this, including the Governor for New Jersey and the Senator of New Jersey.” pic.twitter.com/CypSb8C68u
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) December 14, 2024
Critics Question Government Response
Fox News correspondent Byron York echoed concerns about a lack of clarity, calling Mayorkas’ assurances insufficient. “There are serious officials raising questions, and they’re not getting answers either,” York said, referencing concerns voiced by lawmakers and governors.
Conclusion:
As reports of mysterious drone sightings persist, public officials and residents demand greater transparency and accountability from federal agencies. While Mayorkas has downplayed the risks, concerns about national security and airspace safety remain unresolved.
