NJ gov says feds have authority to shoot down drones, 'wouldn't be opposed' to them playing 'more robust role'

GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli says there's no reason why the feds shouldn't be able to identify the source of the drones flying over the Garden State as residents grow more fearful. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says the federal government has the authority to shoot down the mysterious drones spotted flying over his state and that he "wouldn't be opposed" to them playing a "more robust role" in the matter. Murphy made the remark during an interview with WNYC as the public and lawmakers remain baffled over the source of the large drones. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., told Fox News this week that a Coast Guard commander said "one of their 47-foot vessels, boats, was trailed very closely by more than a dozen of these drones." When the interviewer suggested whether one of the drones could be shot down so officials could get a closer look, Murphy said: "The feds have that authority, and I'd like to see them play a more robust role. I wouldn't be opposed to that. Let me put it that way." "I want folks out there to know -- listen, you're frustrated. But... we're going to stay at it, I promise you, this is our top priority. But based on everything we know, we don't see any evidence of a risk to public safety. And clearly, and that's largely based on the feds input. If that changes, we will shout it from the mountaintop," Murphy also said.