Racist Letter Targeting Clark Family Prompts Police Investigation

CLARK, NJ — Clark police are investigating anonymous racist threatening letters mailed to several residents earlier this month.

On Friday, the Clark Police Department said that the incident was first reported on Nov. 2 and assigned for investigation on Nov. 3.

Subscribe

Police said detectives have pursued numerous leads, canvassed the neighborhood where the letters were sent, spoke with residents, conducted formal interviews and collected physical evidence.

The department said that evidence was submitted to the Union County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit for forensic processing, and the Union County Prosecutor's Office Special Prosecutions Unit is assisting.

CAIR-NJ, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, released the anonymous message.

It read: "Warning, it has come to our attention that the residents at [a home on] Alice Lane are 'Somali' in heritage. This means they do not live or support the American way of life and would want to change it! If trouble begins within our borders, your first return attack should be there…"

CAIR-NJ and township officials condemned the mailing, which targeted a family the group said is reportedly not of Somali heritage.

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said, "Threatening and racist letters designed to terrorize families have absolutely no place in New Jersey. Every resident deserves to live in their home and walk through their neighborhood free from fear, harassment, and anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant bigotry. We urge law enforcement authorities to treat this grave incident with the utmost urgency, investigating it fully as a bias crime and ensuring accountability."

Clark Mayor Angel Albanese said the township "strongly condemns the hateful and threatening anonymous letter mailed to residents in our community."

Albanese said, "No one should be targeted because of their heritage or background. This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in Clark." The mayor added that the township recognizes "the fear and concern this letter has caused, particularly for the residents targeted," and said, "Everyone who calls Clark home deserves to feel safe and welcome."

Police asked anyone who received a letter and has not yet reported it, or anyone with information, to contact Detective Dan Joy at 732-388-3434 or djoy@clarkpolice.org.

Anonymous tips can be made at 732-453-8500. Information can also be shared with the Union County Prosecutor's Office or the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Bias Crimes Unit.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.