Bomb Threats Close NJ Polling Places; Juvenile Arrested in North Brunswick

Several polling places in New Jersey were disrupted on Election Day due to bomb threats. These threats were communicated via email, targeting multiple locations just before polls were set to open.

Threats Impact Voting Locations

Among the affected areas was Lake Como, a small borough in Monmouth County. Borough employees received a threat shortly before 5 a.m. on Tuesday. This prompted a temporary relocation of the polls approximately 12 blocks away to Belmar Municipal Court.

Lake Como’s Response

Voters expressed relief when the all-clear was issued. Lia Diana, a Lake Como resident, noted the small number of voters present at the polling site, questioning the choice of Lake Como as a target. Lake Como Administrator Andrew Huisman emphasized the distress caused to local officials and voters alike.

• Date of incident: Tuesday morning
• Location of threat: Lake Como, Monmouth County
• Initial response: Polls moved temporarily; SWAT and police sweeps conducted
• Outcome: Polls reopened after no credible threats were found

Additional Threats in New Jersey

Similar threats were reported at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Toms River and two schools in Paterson: School No. 2 and School No. 10. Authorities investigated each site, and in all cases, no explosives were discovered, allowing voting to proceed.

North Brunswick Incident

A separate bomb threat aimed at Livingston Park Elementary School in North Brunswick resulted in the arrest of a juvenile. Authorities responded promptly around 8 a.m. and confirmed that no explosives were present. The juvenile, a local resident, has not been linked to the other threats at this time.

Ongoing Investigations

State police, along with Homeland Security and the Attorney General’s Office, are actively investigating the source of these email threats. The aim is to ensure safety at polling locations and prevent further disruptions during voting.

Authorities continue to monitor and respond to any threats to ensure that voters can safely exercise their rights.