‘Suspicious’ Person With Gun In Bloomfield Synagogue Not A Threat, Police Say

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A “suspicious” person with a gun inside a Jewish house of worship on Broad Street in Bloomfield turned out to be an armed security guard, authorities say.

Bloomfield police responded to Temple Ner Tamid on Thursday after getting a report about a person with a firearm inside the building. Officers quickly determined that the person was an armed security guard for the temple.

“There is no threat to public safety at this time,” authorities said.

“Fortunately, this was not an actual threat, but we ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” Police Chief George Ricci said.

Bloomfield Mayor Jenny Mundell also expressed gratitude that the incident was a “false alarm.”

“At a time when Jewish communities around the globe are on heightened alert, we remain committed to the safety of all houses of worship in Bloomfield,” she said, thanking police for their “swift, professional response.”

Temple Ner Tamid saw a violent incident take place on the premises in the recent past.

In 2023, a man wearing a ski mask threw a Molotov cocktail at the temple. The glass bottle broke, but didn’t damage the building. The alleged perpetrator was arrested a few days later.

• Related: Video Shows Man Hurl Fiery Molotov Cocktail At Bloomfield Synagogue
• Related: Temple Attack Was Scary, ‘Nebulous’ Threats Worse: Bloomfield Rabbi

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