New Jersey synagogues are under 'credible' threat: FBI
The FBI announced it received credible information on Thursday regarding a threat to synagogues in New Jersey.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Jersey synagogues are under threat, according to the FBI, which said it received a credible threat to the areas of worship on Thursday.
"The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ," the federal agency said on Twitter. "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."
The FBI seal is displayed on a podium before a news conference at the agency's headquarters in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy acknowledged he is aware of the threat, saying he has been in touch with Attorney General Matt Platkin, New Jersey Homeland Security, and FBI Newark.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gov. Murphy made the statement on Twitter as well.
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"We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with local law enforcement to ensure that all houses of worship are protected," he tweeted.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s office has been in contact with the FBI regarding the matter, along with Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police, Director Laurie Doran of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Director Pearl Minato of the Division of Criminal Justice, each of the county prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders.
Men walk past the Yetev Lev temple Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Compliance with coronavirus restrictions in some of New York's Orthodox Jewish communities has been an issue since the pandemic started last spring. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
"Law enforcement will be increasing patrols in sensitive areas," Platkin said. "Some of these patrols will be in marked vehicles and others will not – but please do not be alarmed if you observe an increase in police presence as we are taking steps in an abundance of caution." He asked New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities.
"We continue to work together to keep New Jersey safe, and let those who would bring harm to the residents of this state know that New Jersey will not be home to hate, intolerance or violence," Platkin said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Along with state authorities, leaders of the synagogues have been briefed by the FBI on the situation, including Nathan Diament, the executive director of the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center.
"We have been briefed by the FBI about a threat to synagogues in the New Jersey area," Diament said. "We are calling on communities to have heightened awareness and to reach out to their local enforcement for security support. This matter is being investigated and we will continue updating."
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