Assemblymen John DiMaio, R-Warren, and Erik Peterson, R-Hunterdon, want Gov. Phil Murphy to address growing concerns over unexplained drone activity immediately.
In a letter sent to the governor Friday, the lawmakers highlighted public fears regarding safety, privacy and security, compounded by the lack of transparency from state authorities.
“For weeks, Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset County residents have reported drones flying over neighborhoods at night, raising serious concerns about safety, privacy and security,” the two lawmakers wrote. “Yet, authorities, including yourself, have brushed off these concerns – providing no information on who is operating these drones, the purpose of their surveillance or their potential risks.”
The issue took a dangerous turn on November 26, when drones in Branchburg interfered with a medevac helicopter responding to a car accident. Emergency responders were forced to cancel the flight after fire officials deemed the landing zone unsafe due to drone activity.
“This reckless behavior has to immediately cease, and the public deserves an explanation,” the letter stated. “It’s hard to believe that agencies like the FBI, FAA, Homeland Security, New Jersey State Police and yourself are unaware of what’s happening. If they do know, that information must be shared.”
They emphasized the urgency saying, “State leadership’s silence has only amplified fears and causes further distrust in our government and its leadership” and urged Murphy to explain what he knows or work immediately to get answers.
