BURSTSenators from New Jersey and New York sent a letter on Thursday to the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) demanding a briefing on the mysterious drones that have flown over their states, prompting growing confusion and concern.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrats from New York, joined Sen. Cory Booker (D) and incoming Sen. Andy Kim (D) of New Jersey to ask the federal agencies how they are working "to identify and address the source of recent unmanned aerial system activity."
The senators asked for a briefing "as soon as possible" on the issue. "The potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas is especially pertinent considering recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites in and outside of the continental United States over the past year," they wrote.
"Protecting civilian infrastructure, safety, and privacy as well as military assets and personnel will require a comprehensive response from Congress and the executive branch."
The letter, which asked for a reply no later than Dec. 23, was addressed to FBI Director Christopher Wray, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.
The senators are among a chorus of politicians calling for answers about the unidentified objects.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Thursday said the Biden administration was looking for answers.
"We haven't seen any indication thus far that there is a public safety risk," he told reporters at a White House briefing.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters on Wednesday there was “no evidence” that the drones have come from a foreign entity or were “the work of an adversary.”
The senators noted that since late November, the drones have been spotted in New York City and northern New Jersey, and the unmanned aircraft are reportedly larger than commercially available models.
In one instance, they said, a drone prevented a medevac helicopter "from transporting a seriously injured patient for care because of the presence of these drones."
The drones have been spotted near military sites in New Jersey, including the Army's Picatinny Arsenal, and Naval Weapons Station Earle.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) publicly speculated that the drones were coming from an Iranian mothership off the East Coast, but the Pentagon this week quickly denied that any foreign entity is involved.
The FBI has confirmed that it is investigating the drone sightings but has yet to identify the source of the unmanned aircraft.