NJ Synagogues Under Threat, FBI Says In Warning

NEWARK, NJ — The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Thursday issued an alert to New Jersey synagogues, warning houses of worship of a "broad threat" and urging staff to take safety precautions.

The FBI's Newark office posted the alert to Twitter.

"The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ," the alert read. "We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility."

The FBI released no additional information but said authorities will "share more information as soon as they can."

Antisemitic incidents reached an all-time high in the United States in 2021, according to an April report by the Anti-Defamation League. In all, 2,717 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism were reported to ADL.

Attacks against Jewish institutions, including Jewish community centers and synagogues, were up by 61 percent in 2021, according to the report.

Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement following the FBI's warning, saying he is closely monitoring the situation.

"(We) are working with local law enforcement to ensure all houses of worship are protected," Murphy said.

The American Jewish Committee also responded to the alert, saying they were "deeply alarmed" by the threat.

"Our thoughts are with the local Jewish community at this time," the committee tweeted. "We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops."

In the event of a threat or possible violence, the FBI urged residents to call local police.