Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today introduced legislation that would empower highly trained state law enforcement units to detect and stop any drones involved in unlawful activities. Smith’s bill—the Law Against Nefarious Drones, Enforcement, Deconfliction (LANDED) Act—comes in response to a request from Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy for more authorities to respond to potential threats posed by illegal drone activity amid the ongoing unusual drone sightings across New Jersey.

            “As swarms of unidentified drones have violated our airspace over the past month, our state law enforcement leaders have been precluded by law from taking more decisive action, leaving our highly trained officers—who are on the ground and situationally aware—almost completely hamstrung,” said Smith.

            “My legislation is critically needed given the huge gaps that exist in our ability to counter unlawful drones which have been exposed by the unusual activity occurring across our state,” said Smith, who announced he was drafting the new bill at a news conference he held in Seaside Heights last Saturday.

            “We need to ensure that law enforcement has the authorities, training, and capabilities to take quick action if needed to keep local residents safe, especially as drones continue to advance technologically and have the potential to be increasingly lethal,” Smith said.

            Smith said the Biden Administration’s frustrating lack of response to the month-long unusual drone activity in New Jersey underscores the urgent need to empower state law enforcement to address any potential immediate threats to local communities.

            “Regrettably, the Biden Administration not only has refused to take decisive action but also has been denying and downplaying the situation that has caused so many New Jersey residents to be understandably concerned and alarmed,” said Smith.

            “New Jersey residents should not have to live in fear while unidentified drones continue to fly over our critical infrastructure, sensitive military bases, and homes and communities,” said Smith. “Enough is enough.”

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