Lawmakers demand answers about mysterious drones
Dec 13, 2024
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - Federal investigators say they've gotten reports about drones flying over military bases and even near President-elect Donald Trump's golf course in New Jersey, but they don't know who's flying them.
Homeland Security officials say the drones are pretty large, about 6 feet in diameter.
The White House says everything is fine.
“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat,” said National Security Spokesperson John Kirby.
On Capitol Hill lawmakers say they're in the dark.
“I've been a little frustrated. There hasn't been enough transparency,” said Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker sent a letter to the Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security and the FBI asking for more information about the mysterious drones spotted flying in New Jersey.
Homeland Security officials have also tracked flights in New York and Pennsylvania and following a Coast Guard lifeboat off the coast of New Jersey.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) says he's disappointed in the federal response.
“Let's assume that this is innocuous, but look how vulnerable it presents us,” said Tillis.
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Christopher Mellon, says drones flying near military bases isn't a new problem.
“This has been going on since at least 2017,” said Mellon.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) called for a more aggressive solution.
“They should be shot down, if necessary,” said Blumenthal.
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI say they haven't had any cases of drones flying over restricted airspace, meaning near military bases, but they say they're taking the threat seriously.
They also suggested the aircraft people have spotted could be manned or unmanned.