Potential Threat To Synagogue In Hoboken Spurs Security Presence: Police

HOBOKEN, NJ — After police responded to a potential threat toward a Hoboken synagogue and Jewish schools on Wednesday night, they found the threat not credible, but have increased their presence at the house of worship Friday, according to a spokesperson.

Hoboken public safety spokesperson Marci Rubin said that at around 11 p.m. on Thursday, "The Hoboken Police Department received a call that prompted a police response to local synagogues and Jewish schools."

An investigation overnight, which included the county sheriff's office, NJ Transit Police, and Port Authority Police, determined there was no credible threat, she said.

"HPD will continue to monitor the situation and maintain a visible police presence at Jewish houses of worship and schools, out of an abundance of caution," the police said in a statement.

Prank?

A message from synagogue officials said, in part, "After a thorough review, [police] found no evidence to support the threat and believe it may have been a prank. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence at USH today. We are in communication with local law enforcement who believe this is a prank and are working to identify the caller...The safety and well-being of our membership, students, staff and community is always our highest priority."

Earlier on Thursday, a man rammed his car into a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Mich., in what the FBI called a "targeted act of violence against the Jewish community," according to reports.

Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour said on Friday, "Hoboken stands firmly against all forms of hate, intimidation, and antisemitism. No one in our community should ever feel targeted or unsafe because of who they are or how they worship."