New jersey's new senator walks back claims of drone sightings

Rep. Andy Kim calls for federal transparency after investigating drone sightings in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — After investigating reports of potential drone sightings in New Jersey U.S. Senator. Andy Kim said most objects observed during his outing with local police were almost certainly planes, based on subsequent analysis using flight tracking data and input from civilian pilots.

Kim, who represents New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, shared his findings on social media Saturday, noting the lack of assistance or feedback from federal agencies regarding public concerns about unidentified aircraft. “While not receiving any feedback/info from federal officials, I reached out to civilian aviators and others for analysis,” Kim wrote. Using flight tracking tools, he said he was able to identify planes that likely matched the flight paths of what had been reported as possible drones.

Kim detailed an example from his investigation at Round Valley Reservoir at 9:20 p.m., where he recorded a video of a suspected drone. Later, by accessing more detailed flight data, he identified a small plane flying along the same path as the object seen that night.

“I don’t discount that others may have seen actual drone activity, and not all I saw is fully explained by flight paths,” Kim said. However, he emphasized that a more systematic and transparent analysis by federal authorities is necessary to clarify these sightings and maintain public trust.

Kim criticized the federal government for its lack of engagement with local police and the public, arguing that press releases reiterating general statements without presenting evidence do little to address concerns. “We have a lot of distrust in politics and government right now, and we need federal government to respect the right for the public to be informed,” Kim wrote.

The senator pledged to continue pressing for answers on the potential drone sightings while advocating for a government that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and better communication with the public.

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