FBI: Credible Threat to NJ Synagogues

Friday 12:30pm Media sources The individual has been interviewed and sources described him as a man who may have autism and said he had been bullied in the past. The man spoke to law enforcement of anger he said he had toward Jewish people, but allegedly said he would not hurt them because he wouldn't want to get into trouble, “He expressed radical, extremist views and ideology, as well as an extreme amount of hate against the Jewish community,” He is from North Jersey.  NJAG said  that the increased police presence would continue at least through the weekend as a precaution 

Update Friday 9am: The FBI Newark office is confirming that the suspect responsible for the threat made against New Jersey Synagogues "has been located and the threat has now been mitigated."

Friday 7:00 am FBI has not isssued any update about the credible threat to shuls in NJ. In NY police say no reason to panic everyone can go to shul on Shabbos as they monitor the situation. 

- ABC 7- The nature of the threat was not immediately clear, but law enforcement sources told ABC News it was not a bomb threat. The threat that prompted the tweet from FBI-Newark originated online, law enforcement sources told ABC News. Though the information was deemed credible, the threat was not specific to any one synagogue. The decision to issue the tweet surprised partners who are also part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, sources said.

- Heavy police and law enforcement presence throughout Lakewood tonight in yeshiva area and on the main roadways. The LPD Sherrif and other agencies are driving aeound with armored cars and other security equipment.

- Lakewood police: There's no specific information pertaining to Lakewood. "the Lakewood Police Department along with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriffs Department has increased patrols, in both a marked and unmarked capacity,” “In addition, we have also deployed specially trained rapid response officers. Although there isn’t any specific information pertaining to Lakewood, we are in communication with our local, county and federal counterparts in order to ensure the greatest protection to those we serve,”

- The NJ Attorney General says law enforcement will be increasing patrols, both marked and unmarked, in "sensitive areas" Some of these patrols will be in marked vehicles and others will not  but please do not be alarmed if you observe an increase in police presence as we are taking these steps in an abundance of caution,” 

- The NYPD are working diligently alongside the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI to ensure the safety and well-being of every area that encompasses our Jewish citizens and synagogues here in New York City and the Tri-State Area," 

- CBS2 has learned a number of suburban police departments in Westchester and Rockland Counties are also increasing patrols outside synagogues, out of an abundance of caution.  

-NBC: A senior law enforcement official tells News 4 New York warning the public was done in "an abundance of caution." Although there is no specific plot or action underway, according to sources, because "the internet threat was deemed credible, the FBI felt it was important to alert the public via social media" so communities and synagogues could take security precautions.

- Update: Governor Phil Murphy:  I have been in touch with the NewJersey AG  NJSP  and FBI Newark regarding a credible threat to synagogues in NJ. We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with local law enforcement to ensure that all houses of worship are protected.

From the FBI Newark office 

The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ. We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility.  We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of emergency call police. We are taking a proactive measure with this warning while investigative processes are carried out.