We'll Increase Security After International Threat, Hoboken Says

HOBOKEN, NJ — In light of talk about threats Friday amid the fighting in Israel, state and local officials have pledged to beef up security.

A former Hamas leader called for support from Muslims across the world to participate in “Friday of the al-Aqsa Flood” on Oct. 13, said the NJ Department of Homeland Security. (Read more here.)

The response came days after the violent attacks by the terrorist group Hamas on Jewish civilians.

Below are statements from local and school officials.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla said Thursday:

My office has been in touch with [Hoboken Police] and law enforcement regarding safety concerns on Friday. While there is no credible threat at this time in Hoboken, HPD will be taking every necessary step to ensure places of worship and other public locations have the resources needed to keep the public safe.

Police Chief Steven Aguiar said:

The Hoboken Police Department is aware of community concerns during this unprecedented time, and is actively engaged with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, including the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, as well as our partners in the faith-based and school communities.

While there is NO active or credible threat to our community, HPD will continue to monitor all potential threats, via all avenues. The Department will adjust staffing levels and assignments accordingly and appropriately. Out of an abundance of caution, residents may see an increased police presence at schools and houses of worship.

We appreciate the community’s continued input and ask all to remain vigilant. If you see any concerning or suspicious behavior, please notify the Hoboken Police Department immediately at (201) 420-2100 or the See Something Say Something Program at (886)-4-Safe-NJ. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.

Schools Superintendent Christine Johnson Said:

I understand that whether or not there are any credible threats, there is both fear and anxiety felt by many of our families. As a result, I have spoken to all of our Principals so that everyone is aware. I have met with our School Safety Coordinator and our Director of facilities (looping our Principal's in on the conversations and directives) to ensure that exterior doors remain closed and locked. Our IT Network manager has ensured that all of our camera systems are working properly and that our 911 Inform System is in working order. Our security guards have been asked to be vigilant and walk the buildings with two way radios. And, we will limit visits and deliveries into our buildings tomorrow.

If I am provided any additional information from the Hoboken Police Department, I will certainly communicate with all families.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin released the following statement Thursday afternoon:

Statement of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Regarding Continued Precautions Being Taken in New Jersey Due to the Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Since the terrorist attacks in Israel on Saturday, my office has been in regular communication with the FBI and our federal partners, the 21 County Prosecutors, and law enforcement leaders across this state, as well as community and religious leaders. It is our highest priority to keep the residents of the State of New Jersey safe during this time of increased tension, social media activity, and peaceful gatherings.

While we are aware of the call to violence against the Jewish community for tomorrow that has circulated online, there are no specific threats to safety in New Jersey. Nevertheless, law enforcement will continue to patrol sensitive areas – particularly houses of worship for both the Jewish and Islamic faiths, large gathering places, and our schools and other educational institutions – to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their communities. Law enforcement will be taking other steps – some that will be noticeable and others that may be taken out of view – and all out of an abundance of caution. We continue to call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local authorities without delay. No information is too insignificant to report, and we take every piece of information seriously.

Please know that we will continue to work together and in the event that New Jersey’s threat level increases or that additional precautions need to be put in place, we will communicate those clearly through the appropriate channels.

We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that our state is not home to hate, intolerance, or violence. We stand in solidarity with our Israeli and Jewish family, friends and neighbors, as we grieve the loss of so many innocent lives lost in the atrocious terrorist attacks on Israel. And we pray for all innocent civilians who face the horrors of war.