Fact check: New Jersey mayors pen letter demanding action on mysterious drone sightings

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

The statement is accurate. On December 8, 2024, 19 elected officials, including 15 mayors, formally submitted a letter demanding action regarding mysterious drone sightings. The drones have been observed across 12 New Jersey counties and Staten Island since late November 2024, with some described as "SUV-sized" and flying near sensitive locations like the Naval Weapons Station and Picatinny Arsenal.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

• The original statement omits that there have been 49 drone reports in a single day in Hunterdon County alone, indicating a much larger scale operation than suggested
• The statement doesn't mention that Governor Phil Murphy has already met with Homeland Security and stated there is "no public safety threat," creating a contrast with the mayors' urgent demands
• Multiple federal agencies (FBI, FAA, DHS) are already investigating, suggesting the mayors' letter may be more about political visibility than initiating action
• The statement doesn't mention that these drones have actually disrupted critical operations, including a medevac mission

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The statement's wording ("demanding action") implies authorities haven't taken steps, when in fact:

• The FAA has already implemented temporary flight restrictions
• Multiple federal and state agencies are actively investigating
• The FBI is collecting public reports
• The Governor has engaged with federal authorities

The statement could benefit politically local officials who want to appear proactive on public safety issues, while potentially undermining trust in federal and state law enforcement agencies who are already working on the situation.