Hoboken Cops: Bhalla Flyer Was Doctored, 2 People Sought (PHOTOS)

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken police have released images of two “persons of interest” in connection with the distribution of allegedly doctored, pre-election flyers that smeared mayoral candidate Ravi Bhalla as a “terrorist” last weekend. Police are investigating the flyer handout as a bias incident, authorities said.

Bigoted and potentially illegal flyers started appearing in Hoboken this weekend that identified Bhalla, who would be the city’s first Sikh mayor, as a "terrorist" who might "cost Hoboken taxpayers millions."

The distribution took place the weekend before Tuesday’s general election, which includes candidates for Hoboken mayor, city council and the local board of education.

• See related article: Hoboken Election Guide 2017 (Mayor, Council, BOE Candidates)

Although the flyer identifies itself as being "paid for by Team DeFusco for Hoboken," Councilman Michael DeFusco, who is running against Bhalla for the city's mayoral slot, condemned the distribution and issued a statement saying that his campaign had nothing to do with the flyer.

• See related article: Ugly Flyer Smears Hoboken Mayor Candidate As 'Terrorist'

The Hoboken Police Department released the following statement about the incident on Monday:

“Around 8:40 p.m. on Friday, Hoboken Mayoral Candidate Michael DeFusco contacted police about an alarming incident. Members of his campaign observed an unknown individual disseminating altered DeFusco campaign literature. The campaign literature now had an added portion that read “Don’t let TERRORISM take over our Town” over a picture of Ravi Bhalla, another Hoboken Mayoral candidate. When DeFusco campaign members realized the alarming and inappropriate change to their official campaign literature they immediately called police and began to gather up the fliers from the vehicles they were placed on.”

The HPD added:

“Hoboken police checked the area for the individuals in question but were met with negative results. Due to the bias nature of the literature, the Hoboken Police Department is investigating this act as a bias incident. Notifications were made to the county and state.”

On Monday, Hoboken police stated that officers are looking for “two persons of interest” in the flyer distribution. Authorities released the below surveillance photo and videos, as well as the original and altered campaign literature.

“If anyone has information as to the identity of any of these people, or you are the person pictured, please contact the Hoboken Police Department at 201-420-2131 or 201-420-2106 and ask to speak with a detective,” authorities said.

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Photo: Hoboken Police Department