'People Of NJ Deserve Answers': Kean Not Happy With Drone Explanation

DISTRICT 7 — Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) is demanding answers following the White House's explanation of the many drones people spotted buzzing around New Jersey in recent months.

"While I appreciate the information provided, I believe there are still many unanswered questions. Thousands of my constituents contacted my office to share their apprehensions. The presence of these drones posed serious concerns for our communities, airspace security, law enforcement, and overall safety," said Kean in a news release.

On Tuesday, the White House said that many of the drones seen flying over New Jersey were approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Read More: White House Gives Explanation For NJ Drone Mystery

While Kean thanked President Donald Trump and his administration "for their transparency regarding the drones" he raised questions.

"Equally important is understanding why this issue was not fully addressed or disclosed by the previous administration when it first became a concern. Why weren’t these reports shared sooner, and what was done in those critical early stages to protect the citizens of New Jersey and the nation?" said Kean. "The people of New Jersey deserve answers, and I will continue to demand accountability to ensure their rights and security are fully protected."

Theories abounded about the mysterious flights, as communities across the state reported seeing several drones hovering at a time, or operating near critical infrastructure. Trump had pledged to get to the bottom of the issue, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said a number of the drones were authorized "for research."

"This was not the enemy," Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday.

The president's own Bedminster golf club is one of the areas of New Jersey where drone flight restrictions were issued, and Trump said previously that he thought the Biden administration knew more than they were letting on about the mysterious flights.

New Jersey Republican State Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) also released a statement regarding the drones.

"There is no reason for the federal government to withhold this information from the public. The lack of communication from the Biden administration led to very real concern from New Jersey residents. Government transparency is paramount and I appreciate the Trump administration providing this information to the public," said Bramnick.

Flight restrictions remain in effect over Trump's Somerset County golf club until Jan. 31, per the Federal Aviation Administration.

— With additional reporting by Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch Staff

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