In response to a surge of mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) has introduced the Law Against Nefarious Drones, Enforcement, Deconfliction (LANDED) Act. This legislation aims to empower state law enforcement agencies with enhanced authority to detect and neutralize drones engaged in unlawful activities.
The initiative follows requests from Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy, who have expressed concerns over the limitations faced by local authorities in addressing potential threats posed by illegal drone operations. Sheriff Golden emphasized the need for legislation that enables state police to protect critical infrastructure and, if necessary, neutralize dangerous drones.
Since mid-November, numerous reports have emerged of large, unidentified drones operating at night over various New Jersey counties, including Morris, Somerset, and Ocean. These drones have been observed near sensitive sites such as military bases and critical infrastructure, raising security concerns among residents and officials.
One notable incident involved a U.S. Coast Guard vessel from Barnegat Light being trailed by a swarm of drones during a patrol in the Atlantic Ocean. Coast Guard members reported that the drones, numbering between 12 to 30, followed their boat for approximately 15 minutes, maneuvering alongside and maintaining a position about 80 to 100 feet above the vessel. Despite federal reassurances, Coast Guardsmen insist that the drones were not commercial or hobbyist devices but appeared to be government-operated.
At a recent news conference in Seaside Heights, Rep. Smith criticized the federal government’s response to the drone sightings, stating that the Biden Administration has been “denying and downplaying the situation” that has caused significant concern among New Jersey residents. He underscored the necessity of granting state law enforcement the authority, training, and capabilities to act swiftly in safeguarding local communities.
The LANDED Act seeks to address these challenges by providing state law enforcement units with the legal framework to detect, track, and, if necessary, neutralize drones involved in illegal activities. This move is intended to close existing gaps in the ability to counter unlawful drone operations and enhance the safety and security of local residents.