Police Add Patrols at Mosque in South Brunswick

South Brunswick, NJ - The South Brunswick police department has increased patrols at the Islamic Society of Central Jersey, township police confirmed to Patch Thursday.

The president of the Muslim center, Arif Patel, said the mosque has not received any threats, but they did receive what he described as a “hate email” and a ”hate-type” post on social media.

He declined to elaborate on the content of the email, only saying it was “nasty and degrading.”

“We are constantly assessing the needs of the community. While there were no threats to our local Islamic Society, we have seen an increase in threats nationwide,” said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. “We have enhanced our presence at the mosque as both a reassurance to the members and a deterrence to anyone who may want to create issues.”

A mosque in Jersey City received hate mail on Tuesday, and police patrols have been added around that mosque, as well. A woman called the Jersey City mosque and said, “If you guys come over here in mass numbers like you want to do, every American that has their 2nd amendment right is going to take their f****** gun out and blow you away. So I just want you to be prepared for that.”

The Islamic Society, located right off Rt. 1 in Monmouth Junction, will celebrate its 40th anniversary Saturday night with a gala event at Pierre’s Restaurant. Patel said the mosque has “wonderful roots” in the township.

“We are integrated within our community and have regular interfaith events and support from the local clergy association,” Patel told Patch. “We are taking extra precautions around safety, and in constant dialogue with local law enforcement. They have stepped up with increased patrols on our site.”