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Sussex County commissioners approve resolution calling for federal, state transparency on unidentified drones
Summary
The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution demanding greater transparency and a stronger federal and state response after multiple reports of unidentified drones over the county; state and federal officials were urged to provide answers and take action.
The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 11 to adopt a resolution calling on federal and state authorities for “immediate transparency” about recent unidentified drone activity over Sussex County and the state of New Jersey.
Commissioners said the resolution responds to multiple reports since mid-November of drones seen over residences, businesses and sensitive infrastructure. Deputy Director Carney moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Hayden seconded; a roll-call vote recorded five yes votes and the motion passed.
Commissioner Mary Hayden read a summary of information shared by Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia and local legislators after a briefing with state and federal agencies. Hayden told the board that Fantasia’s message included blunt assessments such as, “Number 1, we know nothing. Period.” Hayden said state officials have told legislators only that there is “no known credible threat” while also acknowledging limits on what state actors can do.
State Senator Doug Steinhardt, who briefed county officials and attended the meeting, said officials described capabilities and gaps that make detection and attribution difficult. “They can’t say who it is, they can’t say what it is, they can’t say what it’s for,” Steinhardt said, summarizing the briefing. He told the commissioners federal authority — including the Coast Guard and other federal partners — appears central to any countermeasure and that state police lack legal authority to disable or seize unidentified unmanned aircraft systems.
Board members and legislators present urged residents to continue reporting sightings so that authorities can correlate reports with tracked flights. The resolution directs that certified copies be sent to President Joe Biden, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the FBI Newark field office, Governor Phil Murphy, and other federal and state elected officials named in the text.
The resolution says that generalized assurances of “no known credible threat” are insufficient and calls for a stronger response to ensure public safety. The measure lists contact addresses for federal and state officials and was approved by roll call with Deputy Director Carney, Commissioner DeGroot, Commissioner Hayden, Commissioner Schick and Director Space recorded as voting yes.
The board’s action does not direct local enforcement to take operational measures; commissioners emphasized that state and federal agencies control the legal authority to disable or seize unmanned aircraft. The adopted resolution instead requests transparency and action from those higher authorities.
Board members said they will track follow-up briefings by state and federal agencies and encouraged residents to report drone sightings to authorities so investigators can aggregate data.
