Montclair Stands In Solidarity With Jewish Community, Officials Say

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A suspect accused of making threats against New Jersey synagogues has been apprehended, officials said Friday. However, some people in the state – including Montclair – are still feeling anxious after the “credible information of a broad threat to synagogues” was announced on Thursday.

The FBI warned Thursday of "credible information of a broad threat to synagogues" in New Jersey. But law enforcement identified and apprehended the individual who made the threats as of Friday morning. Read More: Suspect Apprehended After Threats To NJ Synagogues, Police Say

"He is described as a lone actor who is an extremist," the Borough of Interlaken Police Department relayed from a call between federal, state and local law enforcement. "No further information is going to be provided at this time."

Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller posted a message about the situation on Thursday. He wrote:

“I want to acknowledge the anxiety and fear the Newark FBI alert of credible threat to synagogues in NJ has caused. This is a statewide alert with no specific threat to Montclair. I have spoken to our Police Chief and we have increased patrols around our Jewish houses of worship. I will be joining a call with the Governor, Attorney General and Office of Homeland Security Friday morning and will bring you more information after that call. Stay alert and if you see something of concern, call the police. The Montclair community stands in solidarity with our Jewish Community.”

The Montclair Police Department gave an update on the situation Friday afternoon. Police wrote:

"Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti concluded a conference call earlier this afternoon with the New Jersey State Police Regional Intelligence and Operations Center and the FBI. The threat that resulted in the heightened security awareness of Jewish targets has been mitigated and the person responsible has been identified. The Montclair Police Department will continue to monitor all synagogues and all religious facilities as the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors are our foremost priority. As always, If you 'see something, say something.'"

Gov. Phil Murphy also released a statement about the threats on Friday:

“I am grateful to the FBI, as well as state law enforcement partners including the Attorney General’s Office, the State Police, and the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, for their tireless efforts in mitigating the immediate threat to our Jewish synagogues. While this specific threat may be mitigated, we know this remains a tense time for our Jewish communities who are facing a wave of anti-Semitic activity. We will not be indifferent. We will remain vigilant. We will take any and every threat with the utmost seriousness and we will stand up and stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish congregations. This threat violated one of the most fundamental tenets of our nation – the right to worship according to the dictates of our consciences and our sacred and holy traditions. We will always endeavor to ensure that every New Jerseyan of every faith may continue to live, study, and worship without fear for their safety.”

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