Numerous drone sightings off the New Jersey coast and near sensitive areas have raised alarms among officials and residents. Congressman Chris Smith reported a Coast Guard vessel being closely followed by over a dozen drones, prompting concerns about potential foreign involvement. While the origin and purpose of these drones remain unclear, the incident highlights growing anxieties surrounding unauthorized aerial activity.

A Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed the presence of multiple low-altitude aircraft near one of their vessels, assuring that they are working with the FBI and state agencies to investigate. These sightings follow a string of similar incidents across the Garden State, including near President-elect Trump's Bedminster golf course and military research facilities.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew suggested a more alarming possibility, citing unnamed sources who believe the drones are launched from an Iranian "mothership" stationed off the U.S. East Coast. Van Drew called for the drones to be shot down, regardless of their origin, emphasizing the potential security risk. However, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh countered these claims, stating there is no evidence linking the drones to foreign adversaries and that they pose no threat to military installations.

U.S. Northern Command acknowledged monitoring the situation but stated they haven't been requested to intervene. Naval Weapons Station Earle, one of the locations reportedly targeted by the drones, confirmed an incident of an unidentified drone entering its airspace and is actively monitoring the situation.