More drone sightings at military installations as NJ politicians push for answers

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) -- Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown confirmed to PIX11 News that it has had several more drone sightings reported in the past 24 hours.

On Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy wrote a letter to President Joe Biden asking for additional resources from the federal government.

In Hillsborough, several police agencies responded to the Lowe’s parking lot Thursday night and Friday morning for a report of a drone down into power lines. A search of the area yielded negative results.

Several people, however, came down to the parking lot to see what was going on, hoping for answers.

“We’re not hearing anything about it, and we wanted to see if it was a drone, what was going on,” said Hillsborough resident Linda Walton.

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey held a press conference Friday, calling on more transparency from the federal government.

“They must immediately disclose more information to the public,” said Gottheimer. “It’s totally and completely unacceptable.”

Gottheimer wants DHS and the FBI to allow state and local law enforcement to safely take down the drones. He expected further classified briefings next week. In the meantime, he wants more communication.

“The FBI should be standing at a podium - or the Department of Homeland Security - and briefing the public and explaining to them what these drones are,” said Gottheimer.