Arrest made after voting disrupted at some New Jersey polling sites for emailed bomb threats
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NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Authorities in New Jersey announced an arrest in connection with bomb threats directed at a school polling location in North Brunswick, New Jersey Tuesday morning, according to prosecutors.
Police launched an investigation early Tuesday after they "began receiving several reports of a bomb threat at Livingston Park Elementary School via text message," according to a statement from the county prosecutor.
The threat was quickly deemed to be a hoax. Investigators soon identified the subject, took the juvenile into custody, and recovered "the electronic devices used in the threat."
It was not immediately clear whether the subject of the arrest, a juvenile, was responsible for threats made against the other locations as well.
Multiple polling places temporarily closed Tuesday morning in northern New Jersey after precincts fielded emailed bomb threats later deemed to be not credible, prompting election officials to direct some voters to other polling places.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in part, "law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email" in multiple counties, and that while "polling locations have already reopened" at some, "at others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot.
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Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said the emails included "fake claims of bomb threats."
Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, the state's top election official, said in a statement that law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time.
"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," Way said.
The emails went to polling locations in Bergen County, Essex County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Passaic County.
Ridgewood Public Schools announced that they would close Tuesday. Polling stations in Ridgewood will operate as normal and remain open with an increased police presence.
NJ Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill assured reporters that it is currently safe to cast ballots throughout the state.
"We've checked out all the bomb threats. There are no credible ones yet. Law enforcement is working overtime to keep our elections safe, so I don't see any threat to voting," she said. "Obviously this is an attempt to suppress the vote here, and I don't think New Jerseyans take very kindly to that kind of tampering in our elections system."
During the 2024 election, bomb threats called into polling stations in key swing states prompted widespread delays in voting. The FBI later said likely originated from Russia. Officials in New Jersey have not indicated the source of Tuesday's threatening emails.
Full statement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin below:
"Early this morning, law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email involving certain polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic Counties. 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. Some of these polling locations have already reopened to the public. At others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot.
"We are grateful to the brave law enforcement officers and the dedicated poll workers who are working tirelessly to ensure everyone's safety, and we are coordinating closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners.
"Voters should continue to have confidence that they can cast their ballot without fear of intimidation, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and secure election. Make no mistake: We will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with our elections, and we will swiftly hold accountable anyone who seeks to interfere with the safety or security of our electoral process.
"If you identify any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to law enforcement by calling 911."
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