Sen. Zwicker Slams Iran ‘Mothership’ Claims, Urges Calm Amid NJ Drone Mystery
December 13, 2024

By: Sarah Salvadore

 

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Sen. Andrew Zwicker (NJ-16) on Friday slammed Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s claim that an Iranian ‘Mothership” was behind the drones spotted on NJ skies.

Zwicker also urged residents to remain calm and stated that there is no evidence that these drones pose a threat to public safety.

Earlier this week, Rep. Jeff Van Drew claimed that the drones spotted in New Jersey were part of a national security threat and suggested that they may be coming from an off-shore Iranian “mothership

Zwicker, a South Brunswick resident, released a statement calling the claim a “wild” accusation.

“The Pentagon has unequivocally stated that Congressman Van Drew’s assertion regarding drones originating from an Iranian “mothership” is completely false and without merit. At a time when the people of New Jersey are rightfully concerned about the unexplained drone sightings that are occurring regularly, the last thing we need are wild accusations that will increase people’s anxiety,’ Zwicker said.

 

“This is the exact time when we need federal and state security officials to accelerate their work to identify the source of the drones.”

Since first appearing nearly a month ago, nightly drone sightings have increased across towns in NJ. Mystery drone sightings have been reported in North, South and Central Jersey.

A growing chorus of frustrated New Jersey residents continue to demand answers from authorities.

Almost four weeks later, state and federal investigators have not been able to figure out where the drones are coming from. Even if they do have an idea, they have not made the information public.

“I want to reassure the residents of New Jersey that, according to federal authorities, there is no evidence to suggest these drones pose any threat to public safety. Our federal and state security agencies are diligently investigating the situation to determine the origin of these drones and ensure the continued safety of our communities. In the meantime, I urge everyone to remain calm and trust that our dedicated officials are taking all necessary measures to protect the public.”

Meanwhile, authorities issued new guidance to New Jersey firefighters about approaching a downed or landed drone, as first responders around the state continue to receive calls about unexplained aircraft.

Thousands of tips have come into the Federal Bureau of Investigation since they began investigating residents’ reports of increased drone activity in their neighborhoods, and near important infrastructure. Local officials in more than half the state are fielding these same reports, including police and fire companies.

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