Police Presence Upped Around Morris Co. Houses Of Worship, Schools

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — In response to demands for violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Morris County officials have stated that they will maintain a heightened presence at all local houses of worship and across neighboring municipalities.

A former Hamas leader called for support from Muslims across the world to participate in “Friday of the al-Aqsa Flood” on Oct. 13, said the NJ Department of Homeland Security. (Read more here.)

In response, Morris area police enforcement assured the public that they would continue to be vigilant in protecting all places of worship in the area. Law enforcement will also guarantee that any protests or demonstrations, including those at local educational institutions, are peaceful.

Over the weekend in Morris County, members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, in collaboration with the Morris County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, did over 75 property checks and meetings at Jewish and Muslim facilities.

"Currently, there is no credible information indicating this international conflict brings a specific threat to New Jersey. We are also not aware of any credible threats involving houses of worship in our region. However, it remains critical that we work together as a community to promote a safe and secure environment," the prosecutor's office said.

In Israel, more than 2,800 people have been wounded, and at least 1,200 people, including civilians and children, have been killed by Hamas forces as of Thursday afternoon, reports say.

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities say at least 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza and another 6,000 have been wounded due to Israeli retaliatory attacks, also including civilians and children.

“Law enforcement is providing increased security, both overtly and covertly, at and near our local houses of worship. During these tense times, it is vital that the public remains vigilant and reports suspicious or concerning activity immediately by calling 911 or their local police department,” Mendham Township Police Chief and Morris County Police Chief’s Association President Ross Johnson said.

Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Sheriff James Gannon are coordinating efforts to ensure that all law enforcement agencies in the county receive up-to-date intelligence information, and they will remain on high alert and in contact with institutions of worship to establish open lines of communication.

Additional law enforcement personnel will be stationed at religious buildings as needed or appropriate.

Morris County law enforcement encourages citizens to report suspicious activity to the Counterterrorism Watch Desk via 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or tips@njohsp.gov.