With the reports of a bomb strike against Iran and Iran threatening retaliation, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Essex County Chief of Detectives Mitchell G. McGuire III, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones, and Morris County Police Chiefs Association (MCPCA) President Chief Jonathan Delaney issue this inter-agency advisory:
County and local law enforcement recognize the heightened concerns for safety in the wake of these international events, and as a result, have increased their patrols of all houses of worship. Particular emphasis has been placed on our neighbors of the Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as critical infrastructure.
Law enforcement leaders are asking for your heightened vigilance during this period of escalated risk.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a “heightened threat environment” in the United States and is alerting the public to the potential of cyberattacks and hate crimes, motivated by retaliation, especially against targets perceived to be Jewish or linked to the U.S. government.
Prosecutor Carroll issued this statement, “Today, we reiterate that members of Morris County law enforcement are absolutely committed to combatting antisemitism and any other forms of religious discrimination that violates our criminal laws. We want to reassure this community that we are proactively working with local religious leaders to provide individual facility security hardening and confirming the necessary lines of communication to assure quick response to any situation potentially involving criminal misconduct. Working with our neighboring counties, we will continue our efforts to assure the safety of all persons wishing to live in peace to practice their religion in Morris County.”
Prosecutor Stephens said, “In light of recent international events, I urge all Essex County residents to exercise heightened awareness. While there is no specific threat to our area at this time, we are especially concerned about keeping our synagogues, mosques, and churches safe. We remain in close communication with our federal, state, and local partners to monitor developments and ensure public safety. We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. As always, the safety of our communities remains our top priority.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “Law enforcement is our first line of defense in preventing an attack or violent incident, and vigilance by members of the public is critical at this time.”
Sheriff Jones said, “In moments like these, unity and vigilance are our strongest tools. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with our regional partners to ensure the safety of all communities—especially our neighbors of faith who may feel vulnerable during this time. We stand firmly against all forms of hate and remain committed to safeguarding every resident’s right to live, worship, and thrive in peace.”
Thomas “Chip” Michaels, Chief Security Officer of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, said, “Given these tenuous times, the safety of our community remains our highest priority, which is greatly strengthened through the support and collaboration of law enforcement agencies and government officials.”
