NEW JERSEY – Authorities are remaining silent as to the exact nature of a threat to synagogues in New Jersey, only that it is “credible information” and that people should take heed of the warning.
“The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ. We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility. We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of emergency call police,” FBI Newark stated. “The FBI takes all threats seriously and we are working with our law enforcement partners actively investigating this threat. We are also engaged with our faith-based partners in the affected community. We are taking a proactive measure with this warning while investigative processes are carried out.”
The location was not specified. The “affected community” could mean the Jewish community as opposed to a town or neighborhood.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office also let residents know they were taking the threat seriously.
“You may notice an increased law enforcement presence around temples and synagogues (on November 4) as we continue to coordinate our response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s warning of a ‘credible threat to synagogues in New Jersey.’ The information is not specific to any specific part of New Jersey, but it is credible,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. “We are coordinating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and all of our local police departments to take all security precautions to protect our facilities and houses of worship in Ocean County. Please stay vigilant and remember, if you see something, say something!”
Lakewood Police also issued a statement noting that it was working with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department to increase patrols of marked and unmarked vehicles.
“In addition, we have also deployed specially trained rapid response officers. Although there isn’t any specific information pertaining to Lakewood, we are in communication with our local, county and federal counterparts in order to ensure the greatest protection to those we serve.”
Suspicious activity should be reported to your local police department, or you can call 911 or call the Counterterrorism Watch Desk at 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-3365) or email tips@njohsp.gov.
