Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is speaking out about unusual drone sightings in his state after spotting drones flying over his home, saying the response from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is “just wrong.”
Both Christie and Mayorkas appeared on ABC’s This Week on Sunday to discuss the recent reports of drones flying over New Jersey and New York. Mayorkas said the DHS is actively investigating the sightings and called for more resources to handle the increase in drone activity.
While Christie agreed that DHS needs more power to respond, he argued that Mayorkas’s dismissive attitude toward the issue is causing unnecessary fear among residents. “I agree they need more authority, but to say it’s not unusual activity is just wrong,” Christie said.
Christie, who has lived in New Jersey his entire life, shared that he had personally seen drones flying over his house. “This is the first time I’ve noticed drones over my home,” he said.
Christie also pointed out that in today’s world, when the government doesn’t give clear answers quickly, people start to worry and rumors spread.
Mayorkas and other officials have downplayed concerns about foreign involvement in the drone sightings, pointing out that thousands of drones are flying every day across the country. However, members of Congress are starting to weigh in. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) suggested the drones might be from Iran, though the Pentagon has denied this. Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) believes the drones could actually be planes, and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is calling for more answers from Mayorkas.
Christie said that over the weekend, many New Jersey residents reached out to him, asking if he knew anything about the drones. While Christie admitted he didn’t have much information, he stressed that both the federal and state governments need to be more transparent. “They need to tell people what they know,” Christie said.
Christie also noted that the ongoing war in Ukraine could be influencing people’s concerns, as drones are increasingly used in military operations. This could lead some to believe the drones in the U.S. are being used for military purposes, making the situation even more alarming.
“The lack of communication from both the federal and state governments is what’s making people anxious,” Christie said.
In response, DHS told The Hill that it will address congressional inquiries through official channels and continues to provide oversight.
On Sunday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) was briefed by the FBI on the drone sightings. He assured the public that his state is ready to work with the federal government to investigate the issue further.
