Domestic extremists: What NJ rail passengers need to know

We haven’t had a significant terrorism-related incident in the Garden State in quite a while but the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has issued an advisory about a possible passenger rail threat.

While law enforcement officials have not indicated any kind of specific, credible threat has been received, Tom Hauck, the division director for the NJOHSP intelligence and operations division, said passenger rail does face a moderate threat “and remains an attractive target for domestic extremists, including both groups and lone individuals.”

“Anarchist extremists and racially motivated violent extremists have encouraged rail tampering online over the past few months," he said.

What exactly does that mean?

Rail tampering is considered sabotaging tracks, signals or crossings.

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Hauck said Homeland Security is working with NJ Transit “to coordinate both security responses as well as implement preventative measures.”

A spokesman for NJ Transit declined to discuss security but did say NJ Transit police continues to "coordinate intelligence efforts with federal, state and regional law enforcement partners to secure New Jersey’s mass transit system.”

"We also train and encourage all of our frontline employees to be additional eyes and ears on our system, as well as our customers through the see something, say something campaigns," the NJ Transit official said.

What you should do if you ride the rails

Hauck said rail passengers are really the first line of defense in the fight against terrorism.

“It’s important for them to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to help thwart the next potential terrorist attack,” he said.

(NJ Transit)

What constitutes suspicious activity?

He said suspicious activity indicators that need to be reported include “witnessing any type of surveillance, probing about security, trespassing sabotaging and tampering.”

He said if you see something suspicious you can call 911, or communicate directly with NJ Transit at 1-888-TIPS-NJT.

You can also send a text to NJ Transit police at NJTPD (65873).

David Matthau is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at david.matthau@townsquaremedia.com

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Filed Under: NJ passenger rail faces a threat from domestic extremists according to Homeland Security officials

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