New Jersey state senator calls for a “limited state of emergency” over drone sightings

TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey state senator is calling for a limited state of emergency over mysterious drones that have been flying over the region in recent weeks.

“The state of New Jersey should issue a limited state of emergency and ban all drones until the public receives an explanation regarding these multiple sightings,” Republican Senator Jon Bramnick said in a statement on Tuesday.

The call came amid numerous drone sightings reported across New Jersey, including the Philadelphia region, in recent weeks.

Action News received numerous reports of flying objects in Media and Broomall in Delaware County, as well as in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia and Cherry Hill in Camden County.

Officials and witnesses said the drones were larger than the type typically used by hobbyists.

SEE ALSO: Mysterious drone clusters observed across Philadelphia region as FBI continues investigation

The source and reason for the drones remain unknown as local, state and federal investigators investigate the matter.

The White House said President Biden has been briefed about the drones and that they are “closely monitoring the activity” and “coordinating closely” with DHS and the FBI to further investigate these incidents.

“This is something that DHS and the FBI are following very, very closely. “So I would have to refer you, directly to them, but consciously, to keep an eye on and investigate the incidents that you just mentioned,” said press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday.

New Jersey’s Picatinny Arsenal – a military research and production facility in Morris County – has reported 11 confirmed sightings by a police or security officer since November 13 in response to a report.

“While the source and cause of these aircraft operating in our area remains unknown, we can confirm that they are not the result of Picatinny Arsenal-related activities,” said the Picatinny Arsenal garrison commander. Lt. Col. Craig Bonham II said in a statement Tuesday.

An FBI spokesman said the agency was “doing everything we can to find out what’s going on.” “The public can still call our 800 number or submit a tip online. We respond to every material tip we receive,” the spokesperson said.

Law enforcement agencies’ power to actually crack down on such drone activity is limited and their authority is more reactive than proactive, a senior U.S. official told ABC News.

The mayors of 21 New Jersey cities have written a letter to Governor Phil Murphy demanding action against the mysterious drones.

Michael Melham, the mayor of Belleville, New Jersey, posted on Facebook Monday evening that a briefing exclusively for New Jersey mayors with the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness about the drones will be held on Wednesday.

The drones have raised concerns due to their proximity to a military installation and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.

ABC News contributed to this report.