A grenade found near a New Jersey synagogue led to an operation by a bomb squad in Lakewood on Sunday.
The grenade was reportedly strapped to a utility pole next to the town's Jewish synagogue.
Grenade Found Near New Jersey Synagogue, Bomb Squad Called https://t.co/6b86b7eh35 pic.twitter.com/InODMQBeqN
— yessica ardila (@yessicardila1) November 21, 2023
"Ocean County prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said in a statement on Sunday that the device was 'inert and non-explosive,'" Breitbart News reported.
“The device was found to be inert and non-explosive. There is no danger to the public and this remains an active and ongoing investigation,” said Billhimer.
Grenade found taped to a pole near Satmar Shul synagogue in Lakewood, NJ removedhttps://t.co/eJGAwYmyov
— TONY V (@_MTMTE) November 19, 2023
"According to police, at about 7:45 a.m., the device was found strapped to utility pole at the intersection of Forest Avenue and 4th Street in Lakewood, near the Satmar Shul synagogue," NBC Philadelphia reported.
"Video shared by the by the Lakewood Scoop, showed where the device -- which appeared to be a grenade -- was found before it was removed," it continued.
Police find grenade strapped to utility pole near new Jersey synagogue https://t.co/qqCKShf23e
— The Messenger (@TheMessenger) November 19, 2023
The New Jersey State Police "bomb squad responded and ensured the safety of the area, to include the synagogue," the Messenger reported.
"We thank our law enforcement and local partners for working quickly to ensure the safety of the community," the post said.
Authorities have called for anyone with more information about the explosive device to contact them as the investigation continues regarding the origin of the grenade and those responsible for placing it on the utility pole near the synagogue.
The incident was considered another act of antisemitism, adding to a growing number of attacks against Jewish people in the U.S. since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7 that killed over 1,400 Israelis, including over 30 Americans.
Some of the incidents have occurred in association with pro-Palestinian protests in major cities and on college campuses, with arrests also made over some violence and vandalism by protesters.
Antisemitic incidents have also been reported on numerous college campuses in recent weeks, with students and staff increasingly concerned for safety over the ongoing issues.
The grenade may not have been active but it represents an increased threat against the Jewish people in the U.S. that should be a concern to all Americans.
