Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas appeared on CNN Friday, downplaying fears surrounding a wave of drone sightings reported in New Jersey. Mayorkas claimed the drones are likely harmless, consumer-grade devices and claimed there is no evidence of nefarious activity — despite being unable to even identify their source.
“There very well may be drones in the sky, of course, but those are commercially available,” Mayorkas told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “We know of no threat or nefarious activity.”
The unexplained drone sightings have sparked widespread concern, particularly in Morristown, New Jersey, where locals report frequent sightings of unidentified devices. Witness Lauren Noeth told the Daily Caller, “What started as a few people posting on Facebook groups about sightings has become nearly everyone in town having seen them.”
Mayorkas acknowledged that his department lacks broad authority to address the situation. “It’s not as though anyone can just take down a drone in the sky. That in and of itself would be dangerous,” he said. He noted that current drone enforcement capabilities are limited to specific agencies and missions, such as the Coast Guard’s maritime operations.
Despite federal reassurances, local first responders have been instructed to involve bomb squads and wear hazmat suits when encountering unidentified drones. This heightened response reflects lingering fears about the potential security risks of unauthorized drone activity.
As investigations continue, questions remain about the adequacy of existing regulations to handle modern drone technology. While Mayorkas’ remarks aim to ease fears, residents and critics alike remain skeptical, urging federal authorities to provide clearer answers.
