NJ Leaders Shouldn’t Exploit Fears About Drones, Timberlake Urges

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — With the mystery surging around New Jersey’s drone sightings – and the anxiety level rising – a state lawmaker is urging other Garden State leaders to avoid exploiting fear for political purposes.

On Thursday, Sen. Britnee Timberlake (NJ-34) issued a statement about the ongoing drone sightings that have been taking place in the state over the past month. Read More: Frustration Over NJ Drone Mystery Builds In Essex County

“While people all over New Jersey are anxious about the potential risks these drones might pose to their safety, security and privacy, as leaders, it is important not to exploit the high anxiety our residents already have due to various happenings in our world,” she said.

“Spreading rumors, outright lies, conspiracy theories and engaging in political theater with partisan objectives is counterproductive to the well-being of every citizen,” Timberlake added (read her full statement below).

The 34th District includes the municipalities of Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

Investigators at the state and federal level say they haven’t been able to figure out where the drones are coming from.

Meanwhile, theories have ranged from the extreme – such as U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s contested suggestion that the drones may coming from an off-shore Iranian “mothership” – to the more benign explanation that most of the sightings are just planes taking off from nearby airports. See Related: Drone Or Plane? Newark Airport In ‘Close Proximity’ To NJ Sightings

After Van Drew (NJ-2) cited "circumstantial evidence" of his claim, Department of Defense officials said that is not true.

On Wednesday, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary.”

“There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States, and there’s no so-called mothership launching drones towards the United States,” she said. See Related: ‘Drone Mothership’ Update, New Reporting Protocols Released In NJ

On Thursday, Timberlake quipped that the Pentagon has been forced to “waste valuable time debunking an irresponsible false conspiracy suggested by a New Jersey federal elected leader about ‘Iranian Motherships.’”

“It is important for leaders to act responsibly by only sharing facts and known knowledge to date with the community at-large,” she said. “The public— whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, nonaffiliated, or undecided—all depend on us for accurate information, let's provide only that.”

Timberlake’s full statement follows below:

“Recent drone sightings in New Jersey have understandably raised concerns among residents and myself about their origin and purpose. At the appreciated request of Governor Murphy, New Jersey state legislators and mayors have been briefed by federal and state homeland security officials and law enforcement on the recent surge in these sightings. We have been informed that there is no known threat. However, the lack of explanation for the increase in drone activity is a concern.

“Like many residents, my colleagues and I are seeking more answers. I join the voices in leadership urging federal authorities to provide more information. I also urge that the drones be disabled responsibly to ensure the safety and peace of mind of our communities. I strongly request the White House to direct all pertinent federal authorities to use their resources to gather detailed information, and share a comprehensive explanation with the public. It is crucial that the public is reassured the federal government understands the origins and intentions of these drone sightings.

“Furthermore, I support legislation to regulate drone flying to protect our communities, privacy, flights, and airspace. It is crucial that we take proactive steps to address these concerns and ensure the safety, privacy, and security of our residents.

“I conclude with a message to all leaders in this state. While people all over New Jersey are anxious about the potential risks these drones might pose to their safety, security, and privacy, as leaders, it is important not to exploit the high anxiety our residents already have due to various happenings in our world. Spreading rumors, outright lies, conspiracy theories, and engaging in political theater with partisan objectives is counterproductive to the well-being of every citizen. Doing so only adds to the anxiety of our residents, and does not help obtain factual information from our country's homeland security professionals. The Pentagon has already had to waste valuable time debunking an irresponsible false conspiracy suggested by a New Jersey federal elected leader about ‘Iranian Motherships.’ It is important for leaders to act responsibly by only sharing facts and known knowledge to date with the community at-large. The public— whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, nonaffiliated, or undecided—all depend on us for accurate information, let's provide only that. Any risk to New Jersey is a risk to us all. The safety, privacy, and wellbeing of residents is not a partisan issue.”

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