New Jersey Officials Respond to Unfounded Bomb Threats During Election Day

Sat Dec 20 2025 23:48:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a swift response to bomb threats targeting polling locations, New Jersey law enforcement ensured voter safety during the closely watched gubernatorial elections.

New Jersey's election officials and law enforcement acted promptly on Tuesday after receiving bomb threats directed at polling places in seven counties. The threats were found to be unfounded, and officials reassured the public that measures were in place to maintain voter safety. The timely response allowed polling locations to reopen and redirect voters as necessary, ensuring a smooth election process amidst heightened scrutiny surrounding the event.

Law enforcement and election officials in New Jersey acted swiftly Tuesday to secure polling places following a series of bomb threats later determined to be unfounded.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who also serves as the state’s top election official, stated the threats had been emailed to seven counties, including Passaic, a key swing county where the Department of Justice had sent election monitors.

“Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time,” Way said. “We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers and coordinate closely with state, local and federal partners to ensure a smooth and safe election.”

The threats coincided with the final day of voting in the state’s closely-watched race for governor, following a year of bomb threats that disrupted voting during the last presidential election, particularly in battleground states. Similar hoaxes were reported in Springfield, Ohio, as Trump amplified false narratives during his campaign.

The New Jersey threats involved polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties. Attorney General Matthew Platkin noted that some polling locations had already reopened, while others redirected voters to nearby sites.

“Law enforcement officers have responded at each affected polling place, and they have worked swiftly to secure these polling locations and ensure the safety of every voter,” Platkin stated.

The FBI’s Newark office reported it was aware of the incidents and assisting local agencies. Passaic County received three threats, prompting early redirects for affected voters. One location, a school building, was cleared and voting resumed.

This events come as the DOJ had announced it would send federal observers to ensure transparency and compliance with federal law in several counties during the election, responding to requests from the Republican parties in both New Jersey and California.