Morristown NJ
10-13-2023 1:51pm

Morris County Law Enforcement Heightens Security Measures in Response to Global "Day of Jihad"

Local agencies collaborate with state and federal counterparts to ensure community safety, particularly at houses of worship and educational institutions.

Morristown, NJ - Law enforcement agencies in Morris County, including municipal, state, and federal partners, are ramping up security measures following a worldwide "Day of Jihad" announcement by the former leader of Hamas, set for today, Friday, October 13, 2023. The call for global protests has raised concerns across the United States.

Increased Vigilance Amid International Concerns

The focus of this heightened security is to protect houses of worship within Morris County, as well as ensure that any protests or demonstrations that may occur are peaceful. Educational institutions are also under close watch. The Morris County Prosecutor's Office, Morris County Sheriff's Office, and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association are working in collaboration to share intelligence and coordinate operations.

Prosecutor Robert Carroll stated, "These horrific events and tragic loss of life in the attacks in Israel are reprehensible by any civilized measure and we all pray for all the victims and their families. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will provide personnel for the protective overt and covert surveillance within Morris County.”

Sheriff James Gannon added, “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide resources and support to all our religious facilities and communities. I cannot understate the importance of continued communication between our faith leaders and law enforcement.”

Recent Security Efforts

Over the past weekend, the agencies conducted more than 35 property checks and meetings at Jewish and Muslim facilities in Morris County. Additional law enforcement presence will be made available at religious facilities as needed. While there is currently no specific credible threat to New Jersey or houses of worship in the region, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant.

Mendham Township Police Chief and Morris County Police Chief’s Association President Ross Johnson remarked, “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.”

Reporting Suspicious Activities

Morris County law enforcement is encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activity to the Counterterrorism Watch Desk via 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or tips@njohsp.gov. The agencies emphasize that the public’s assistance is crucial in preventing any potential terrorist activities.

This proactive approach by law enforcement aims to ensure the safety of all Morris County residents, including faith-based communities, as global events continue to unfold.

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10-14-2023 9:56am

More context from Wired - 

“The violent rhetoric comes in response to comments made in a statement by Khaled Meshaal, the founder and former leader of Hamas, to Reuters on Wednesday. Meshaal called for protests on October 13 across the Arab world in support of the Palestinians before adding: “To all scholars who teach jihad ... to all who teach and learn, this is a moment for the application [of theories].”

While Meshaal very specifically made the calls for protests in “the Arab and Islamic worlds,” his comments were quickly mistranslated online to become a “global day of jihad,” a phrase he did not use.”

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