Seen Drones In Bergen County? Gottheimer Gives Updates, Sets Up Tips Website

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — As sightings of large drones continue in New Jersey — as well as theories on whether they're from foreign governments, pranksters, or U.S. intelligence — Bergen County-based Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced a tips website and steps he's taken to address the issue.

With drones flying next to law enforcement facilities and power plants, public officials have demanded more information.

On Monday, Gottheimer, who has called for the federal government to give the public more details about the drones, announced these updates in his “Drone Response Strategy.”

• His legislation, the RADAR Act, is now bipartisan, with co-sponsorship from Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). The legislation expands federal grants for local law enforcement to make radar systems more available to state and local police.
• There's a new page on his website for New Jersey residents to share information and tips on their latest drone sightings. "Gottheimer will share this information with the FBI, DHS, FAA, the intelligence community, and local law enforcement to ensure they review it," a spokesperson said.
• He's pushing to establish a new Drone Air Traffic Control System, similar to those used for airplanes, to ensure that unauthorized, unlicensed drones aren’t flying in places they shouldn’t be.

Gottheimer said Monday, "I won’t let the government insult the American people, and claim they aren’t seeing things they are seeing with their own two eyes. Is it possible that some of the sightings are airplanes or helicopters, or enthusiasts putting up their drones to mess with people? Sure. But, you’re telling me thousands of sightings are? That just doesn’t add up.

"Even DHS finally reversed course and the Secretary of Homeland Security admitted that yesterday, when he said, “there is no question that people are seeing the drones.”

'I Continue To Receive Calls'

"I continue to receive calls, questions, and information about drone sightings here in northern New Jersey," he said. " Also, there are postings of sightings all over the Internet – some of them true and others, I’m concerned, are being posted to scare people. The key is getting the best information over to the proper federal agencies responsible for sightings in an organized manner to help them get to the bottom of this and communicate with the public.

"I have an intelligence committee briefing this week, and I plan to share the content I receive. If it turns out that these sightings are nothing to worry about, then the FBI, DHS, and other relevant agencies should immediately communicate that."

Local Officials Respond

Residents have been asked to report sightings to 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit them online at tips.fbi.gov.

Officials in Wyckoff and in Washington Township reminded residents last week to report them to the FBI. The township of Washington added:

The sightings have been occurring at night.
When [reporting], please provide as much detail as possible, such as:
1. Time & Date: Record when you observed the drone.
2. Location/Direction: Note the exact location of the sighting (street, neighborhood, or nearby landmarks) and the direction from which it traveled.
3. Appearance: Describe any distinguishing features, such as size, color, or lighting.
4. Behavior: Explain what the drone was doing, i.e., hovering, moving erratically, or lingering in one spot.

Public officials have said they have no evidence of a threat. One police official in North Jersey, Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando, recently said, "While we currently have no evidence or information to indicate these drones pose an imminent threat at this time, their presence appears nefarious in nature."

READ MORE: Wyckoff Warns Of Drone Sightings, Tells Residents To Report Them To FBI