Phil murphy seeks federal assistance to quell online rumors and conspiracy as drone sightings increase

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is urging the Biden administration to dedicate more federal resources to investigating a series of unexplained drone sightings in New Jersey and neighboring states, citing concerns over public safety and security.

In a letter sent to President Joe Biden on Thursday, Murphy emphasized that current laws limit the ability of state and local law enforcement to counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). He described law enforcement as “hamstrung” in addressing the issue and said federal intervention is essential.

“More federal resources are needed to understand what is behind this activity,” Murphy wrote in the letter, which he also shared on social media platform X. “This leaves action surrounding the drones squarely on the shoulders of the federal government.”

The sightings, first reported on November 18, have prompted an interagency investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. Murphy acknowledged efforts by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Biden’s Homeland Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, but he warned that unanswered questions have fueled public speculation and conspiracy theories.

Murphy’s call for federal action comes after earlier reassurances that the sightings posed no immediate threat to the public, signaling a shift in tone as the reports persist.

In the letter released Thursday, Murphy highlighted the growing prevalence of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the risks they pose to safety, privacy, and homeland security. Since November 18, the New Jersey State Police have received multiple reports of UAS activity, prompting an interagency investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Murphy acknowledged the efforts of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and White House Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, calling them “exceptional partners” in addressing the issue. However, he warned that current federal resources are insufficient to fully understand the cause of these sightings.

“The continued reporting of UAS activity has raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories across social media and other platforms,” Murphy wrote.

The governor’s request follows testimony from the FBI during a recent Congressional subcommittee hearing, which emphasized the need for additional federal support in tackling UAS-related challenges.

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