Islamic Center of Passaic County now safe after police receive threat

PATERSON, N.J. (WABC) -- A Paterson mosque that was evacuated after police received an overnight threat has been declared safe.

The threat against the Islamic Center of Passaic County on Derrom Avenue in Paterson was called into police just after 4 a.m.

Police responded and evacuated the mosque just before morning prayer service. People in the mosque told police they did not know of any threat.

Nothing suspicious was found. Several packages found in the area were examined, but none of them was found to be dangerous. Sheriffs used a robot to investigate; none of the packages had to be detonated.

Dozens of worshipers are now waiting outside the mosque as police investigate. People have not yet been allowed back in, but will be shortly.

Criminal investigation will be handled by prosecutors office to find hoaxer.