NJ Rep Doubles Down On 'Drone Mothership' Theory, Claims High-Placed Intel

NEW JERSEY — On Thursday, South Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew reiterated his claim about an off-shore drone "mothership" and said the Pentagon is treating the public "like we're stupid."

A Pentagon spokesperson denied Van Drew's claim that the drones could be coming from an Iranian ship off the coast, and also said they are not U.S. military drones. Van Drew stood by his assertions that the drones could be launched from a ship during an appearance on Fox News Thursday.

"We are not being told the truth," the Republican representative said, attributing his information to "credible individuals who have high security ratings."

The FBI has been investigating and asked residents to share any videos, photos or other information about the drones. Authorities have shared little with the public, and continue to say that the aircraft pose no obvious threat.

Van Drew, who is a member of both the House Transportation Committee and Aviation Subcommittee. said the United States is "a full decade behind" China when it comes to drone technology. He said the aircraft can also travel long distances, and are much more sophisticated than hobbyist drones.

"These drones, as cited by the Coast Guard, are coming in and out of the ocean," he said. "They're not pontoons. They're not landing on the water. They're landing on something."

Van Drew said it was "nonsense" that federal authorities have not shared more information about where the drones come from and what their purpose is.

"I hope they know more than they're telling us, but that's disrespectful to the public and to Congress," he said. "It's about time they leveled with the truth."

Gov. Phil Murphy said Van Drew, who had also called for the drones to be shot down, was making a "wild assertation" and that there was "zero evidence" to the congressman's claim.

"I’m not sure what he’s watching lately, but he might want to watch the news," Murphy quipped during a weekly call-in show.

"Let's not fear-monger this," the governor continued. "Let's try to honestly put our heads down with a sense of urgency, base it on facts, and let's try to figure this out together."

State Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-21), who has also advocated for the drones to be shot down, noted the rise of online "conspiracy theories" as sightings mount and information remains scarce.

“As a result of no information coming from the Department of Defense, regarding the drones in New Jersey skies, more conspiracy theories are being offered on social media," Bramnick said Thursday. "We don’t need more of that stuff.”

Related articles —

• Shoot Down Mysterious NJ Drones, Van Drew Says
• ‘Drone Mothership’ Update, New Reporting Protocols Released In NJ