Are Russia-linked threats returning? NJ polling places disrupted by bomb threat in GOP strongholds, echoing 2024 Russia-linked incidents

NJ bomb threat: Multiple polling places in Northern New Jersey were temporarily closed Tuesday, October 4 morning after precincts received emailed bomb threats, which were later deemed not credible. Election officials redirected some voters to alternate polling locations.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement on X that "law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email" in multiple counties, and while "polling locations have already reopened" at some, "at others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot."



Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda told ABC news station WABC that the emails contained "fake claims of bomb threats."

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, New Jersey's top election official, confirmed that law enforcement found 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, as quoted by ABC news.

Although the source of the threatening emails on Tuesday has not been disclosed by New Jersey officials. Some online users are concerned that it might be linked to Russia. One user replied to the X post, “Exactly what Russia did during last fall’s presidential election.”


Officials reported that the emails targeted polling locations across Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties, which includes heavily Republican areas, the New York Post reported, citing officials.

Voting was widely delayed during the 2024 election due to bomb threats made at polling places in crucial swing states. The FBI later stated that Russia was probably the source of the threats.

FAQs on New Jersey polling bomb threats

Why were polling places in New Jersey temporarily closed on Election Day?
Several polling places in Northern New Jersey were briefly closed after precincts received emailed bomb threats. Law enforcement later determined the threats were not credible.

Which New Jersey counties were affected by the bomb threat emails?
Officials said polling locations in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties received the threatening emails.

Were the bomb threats linked to any political groups or foreign actors?
Authorities have not yet identified the source of the emails. However, the incident echoes similar 2024 election threats that the FBI had linked to actors in Russia.