American Dream Mall Reopens On Black Friday After Bomb Threat

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — The American Dream Mall has reopened and law enforcement found no imminent danger after a bomb threat forced the American Dream Mall to evacuate on Black Friday, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

State police investigated the threat, which forced the mall to evacuate around 8:10 a.m.

Around 9:35 a.m., Murphy said the matter was still under investigation, but that law enforcement determined there was "no imminent threat at American Dream at this time."

State police reopened the mall.

"We will remain vigilant to ensure everyone stays safe this holiday season," he said.

State police tweeted that the threat came in around 7:15 a.m. The mall was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

"NJSP Bomb Unit and K-9 unit performed sweeps of the mall for explosive devices and none were found," state police said. "The mall has been deemed safe and American Dream will be returning to normal operations."

An investigation was ongoing. Further details weren't immediately released.

Just before 9:30 a.m. Friday, a second alert said state police reported the situation was resolved, and the facility was safe.

Earlier in the day, emergency alerts reportedly blared on the phones of people nearby, telling them to use the nearest exits and to avoid elevators.

Mall-goers said people appeared to calmly evacuate.

"Was at American Dream for the evacuation alert and the 35 people who were shopping calmly walked to the exits," tweeted @ChristinaSees. "The police were on alert when I arrived at the mall around 7:30am…so whatever it was prompted an evacuation around 8:17am."

Live helicopter footage showed people waiting outside the mall.