Hunterdon County Commissioners call upon federal legislators to assist with addressing ongoing drone sightings
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl recently sent a letter, urging federal legislators, including U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, and Representative Tom Kean, to assist in addressing the ongoing drone sightings that have raised concerns across Hunterdon County and the state of New Jersey.
In the letter, Director Kuhl urged the legislators to call upon the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and the Federal Aviation Administration to take a more aggressive approach to investigating “this serious matter and for greater transparency in communicating what is known about this surge in drone sightings.”
“The ongoing drone sightings near private homes, military installations, and critical infrastructure facilities throughout New Jersey cannot and should not be taken lightly. Our residents deserve credible and meaningful answers to why swarms of drones are hovering outside their homes late at night,” Kuhl said.
At the recent Commissioner Board meeting on December 3rd, Public Safety Director Brayden Fahey and Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown reported that drone sightings have been reported near critical infrastructure in Hunterdon County, including sensitive areas such as the Round Valley Reservoir, the county’s 9-1-1 center, radio transmission towers and in residential neighborhoods.
These sightings have prompted local authorities to alert the New Jersey State Police and State Office of Homeland Security, but additional support is needed to address the escalating issue and unanswered questions effectively.
“Should a public safety or national security threat be posed by these drones, there should be a Whole of Government Approach that includes partners at the state and local levels,” Kuhl said.
