Gottheimer provides update on drone activity after classified briefing
Continues to urge FBI and DHS to publicly brief, without delay
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Wednesday provided an update following a more than two-hour-long classified briefing on recent drone sightings in the Northeast.
“Tuesday’s classified briefing about reported drone and other overhead activity in the Northeast reinforced what I’ve been saying based on earlier FBI and DHS briefings: I do not believe these recent drone sightings pose an imminent threat to public safety,” Gottheimer said.
He continued, “That said, I directly urged representatives from the FBI and DHS to brief the public on what they know. There is no reason to keep the public, especially families in New Jersey, in the dark about what they are seeing in the air. People shouldn’t have to deal with the stress of not having the information they deserve. I believe the people I represent in New Jersey and our local law enforcement officers, who have seen drones, should be informed.”
Gottheimer also expressed appreciation for the federal government’s move to deploy drone monitoring equipment in New Jersey, while calling for expanded coverage. “I’ve asked the FBI and DHS to immediately augment their monitoring equipment to cover more of the state,” he added.
He emphasized the need to equip local and state law enforcement with permanent drone monitoring tools. “We must be prepared to track drone activity and stop unauthorized drones, especially over military bases, reservoirs, other critical infrastructure, airports, and homes,” said Gottheimer.
“Working with law enforcement and the intelligence community, I will continue to develop additional legislation to help further protect the country and our national security,” he concluded.
