The FBI has revealed that numerous bomb threats targeting polling stations across several New Jersey counties appear to have been sent from Russian email domains. This unsettling development was highlighted in a statement released on Wednesday.
Despite the alarming nature of these threats, the FBI has assured the public that none have been deemed credible so far. They emphasized that safeguarding election integrity remains a top priority. The FBI pledged to continue collaborating with state and local law enforcement to address any threats to the electoral process and ensure community safety as citizens head to the polls.
On Election Day, multiple polling sites in New Jersey were forced to temporarily close after receiving a wave of emailed threats, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. This disruption occurred as voters in the Garden State participated in elections, including the gubernatorial race. Ultimately, Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic candidate, triumphed over Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican and former state representative endorsed by former President Trump.
The counties affected by these threats included Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic, with some polling places extending their hours to accommodate voters.
In a related incident, an unidentified juvenile from North Brunswick has been taken into custody, as reported by Pix11. This individual is accused of sending a bomb threat via text to the polling location at Livingston Park Elementary School around 8:15 a.m. The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department responded with officers and explosive detection K-9 units, but no evidence of danger was found.
Authorities have not yet determined if the juvenile’s threat was connected to those targeting other polling places in New Jersey.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
