The man “no longer poses a danger to the community,” the FBI said. No further details about the person or a motive were released. “After receiving information about a threat against an unspecified synagogue in the New Jersey area, the FBI notified community leaders and our law enforcement partners,” the FBI statement said. “We have identified the source of the threat and no longer pose a risk to the community. As always, we would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy thanked the FBI and law enforcement for their quick investigative work. The governor also said the state will remain vigilant and ensure that threats against any house of worship are thoroughly investigated. “This threat violated one of our nation’s most fundamental tenets — the right to worship according to the dictates of our conscience and our sacred and sacred traditions,” Murphy said. “We will always strive to ensure that every New Jerseyan of every faith can continue to live, study and worship without fear for their safety.” The FBI’s Newark Field office said Thursday it had received “credible information about a widespread threat to synagogues in New Jersey.” A tweet from the office said: “At this time we ask that you take all safety measures to protect your community and facilities. We will share more information as soon as possible. Stay alert. In an emergency call the police.” The nature of the threat was not immediately clear, but law enforcement sources told ABC News it was not a bomb threat. The source told ABC News on Friday that the young adult interviewed in connection with the threat told the FBI that he dislikes Jews, is angry, but does not plan to do anything harmful. The man, who was not identified, did not apologize for actions that have led police to try to add patrols outside synagogues, the sources said. The young man posted on a social media site that is already being monitored by law enforcement because it is a frequent site used for anti-Semitic discussions. According to ABC News, the post was written as if an attack had already happened and in a style used by previous mass shooters, which raised the level of concern and prompted the FBI’s tweet to receive plenty of attention. Once he was located, agents realized there was no threat, although they are still looking into his background. In New York City, Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Sewell are meeting almost Friday with Jewish leaders to discuss recent threats and outline the precautions New York City is taking to ensure the safety of the Jewish community. “We continue to monitor threats made against synagogues in New Jersey and stand ready to assist our neighbors in any way we can,” Adams tweeted. ———-
- Get eyewitness news
- More news from New Jersey
- Send us a news tip
- Download the abc7NY app for emergency alerts
- Follow us on YouTube
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If you attach a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2022 WABC-TV. All rights reserved.
