Concerned officials from Monmouth and Ocean counties have blasted federal authorities for minimizing the threat posed by a wave of mystery drones hovering over New Jersey.

At a press conference outside the Ocean County Sheriff’s drone unit mobile command center, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) called on Congress to grant state and local law enforcement the power to respond decisively to the drone invasion.

“Sheriff Golden wrote me a few days ago requesting legislation to empower the state police to seriously protect at-risk persons and infrastructure and, if necessary, bring down a dangerous drone or drones,” Smith stated. “I am drafting that bill and will introduce it soon.”

Currently, only federal authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have jurisdiction over airspace. Smith argued that local law enforcement must be empowered to handle potential threats, especially during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. The proposed legislation would also provide resources and training for local agencies to track and disable rogue drones.

Echoing Smith’s concerns, Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden emphasized the need for legislative changes: “We’re calling upon Congress, and Congressman Smith’s leading the way, to modify legislation so that not just three federal agencies are able to have drone detection and de-drone equipment. This is a national public safety and security issue.”

Smith also revealed that he has reached out to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to authorize the use of force against these drones to identify their origins. He warned that the drones’ sophisticated maneuvers suggest they could be linked to hostile foreign powers.

“The elusive maneuvering of these drones suggests a major military power sophistication that begs the question whether they have been deployed to test our defense capabilities — or worse — by violent dictatorships, including Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea,” he stated.