Update July 13, 2023: Omar Alkattoul, 19, of Sayreville, pleaded guilty Wednesday to transmitting a threat in interstate and foreign commerce. He faces up to five years in prison when he’s sentenced November 14, 2023; more here.
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Update November 10, 2022: FBI announced 18 year old Omar Alkattoul was arrested in connection to threats on Jewish communities in New Jersey; more here.
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The FBI's Newark Field office said Thursday it has received "credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in New Jersey."
A tweet from the office said, "We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility. We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of emergency call police."
The FBI has received credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in NJ. We ask at this time that you take all security precautions to protect your community and facility. We will share more information as soon as we can. Stay alert. In case of emergency call police. pic.twitter.com/e64XSmQvNc
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) November 3, 2022
The nature of the threat was not immediately clear, but law enforcement sources told ABC News it was not a bomb threat.
The information regarding the synagogue threat is recent, sources told ABC News.
While the FBI investigates it further, officials thought it best to make the public aware so they can take appropriate measures.
Gov. Phil Murphy said he is closely monitoring the situation and working with local law enforcement to ensure that all houses of worship are protected.