Bomb threats cause chaos as multiple NJ polling stations temporarily shut down

Bomb threats are being called into polling places around New Jersey as people go to the polls, according to reports.

News12 reported Tuesday morning, as voting began, that threats are prompting polling locations to be moved or closed temporarily, reducing access.

The threats were called into Bergen County, Essex County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County and Passaic County, the report listed.

At least two school sites were forced to shut down after threats, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said. Newark Public Safety officials said that phishing emails sent included threats, but at least one threat was found to be "unfounded."

Hackensack police sent a K-9 through for a sweep just before 6 a.m. when a threat was emailed. That site was also cleared.

"Earlier today, bomb threats were made to several polling sites. Law enforcement has determined there are no credible threats at this time. We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers and encourage every eligible voter to exercise their right to vote," said Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way on X.

The report also said that a bomb threat at Somerville Elementary School resulted in the closure of the entire Ridgewood public school district for the day. The buildings remain open for voting, however.

Threats to Avanel Middle School prompted “an active law enforcement investigation,” and the Middlesex County voting location had to be moved to Woodbine Avenue Elementary School.

"A polling site in Lake Como was also moved due to a similar threat," said the report.

Fordham University School of Law Professor John Pfaff pointed out that Patterson, New Jersey, has approximately 65% Hispanic and 20% Black community.

Read the report here.