Bergen Steps Up Patrol After Jersey City Shooting

HACKENSACK, NJ -In the wake of Tuesday's shooting in Jersey City that left three citizens and one police officer dead, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office plans to increase patrol at synagogues and public places such as parks and malls.

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On Wednesday afternoon, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton said there is no specific or credible threat at this time, but they are operating on heightened alert and working cooperatively with local police departments to ensure the safety of residents.

“The men and women of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office express our deepest condolences to the Jersey City Police Department on the loss of Police Detective Joseph Seals and our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones grieving the loss of the victims from this tragedy. I must reiterate once again that hate, anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry have no home here in Bergen County. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office will do everything in its power to ensure that our county continues to be a welcoming home for all residents,” Cureton said.

Residents are also being reminded to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

See More: Chilling Details Revealed In Jersey City Shooting
Also: Lakewood Police Increase Patrols After Jersey City Shooting

On Tuesday afternoon, the two suspects who engaged in an hours-long gun battle with police at a kosher deli appear to have targeted the store, according to Jersey City officials.

Detective Joseph Seals, 39, a married father of five, was killed in Bayview Cemetery on Garfield Avenue, according to Police Chief Mike Kelly, before the suspects fled to the kosher market.

Read more: Cop Killed In Jersey City Standoff: A Hero Before; A Hero Now

A review of security footage from the grocery store made it "clear" the suspects chose the Jewish establishment, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop (D) said on Twitter.

“I’m Jewish and proud to live in a community like Jersey City that has always welcomed everyone,” Fulop wrote on Twitter. “It is the home of Ellis Island and has always been the golden door to America. Hate and anti-semitism have never had a place here in JC and will never have a place in our city.”