American Dream Mall New Jersey bomb threat Black Friday sales evacuation

Governor Murphy issued a bomb threat at American Dream Mall in New Jersey on Black Friday, leading to a temporary evacuation.

On Black Friday, the second-largest mall in the country, American Dream Mall in New Jersey, was temporarily evacuated in response to a bomb threat. Governor Phil Murphy issued the threat at approximately 9:00 a.m. ET, instructing all on-site consumers, tenants, and employees to evacuate the building per law enforcement instructions. Thirty minutes later, Governor Murphy provided an update, stating that law enforcement had determined the mall posed "no imminent threat," and visitors were allowed to re-enter the mall.

The specifics of the explosive threat and evacuation remain unknown, as neither the American Dream mall nor the New Jersey State Police have provided additional information. Governor Murphy emphasized that authorities will maintain vigilance throughout the holiday season to ensure the safety of all individuals, as the matter is still under investigation.

The incident occurred on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, when Americans typically flock to malls in search of holiday deals. This presents unique challenges for retailers due to the enormous crowds that gather for this purchasing holiday, as past incidents have resulted in fights between customers and injuries. Additionally, the increase in mass shooting incidents across the country has made security concerns even more challenging, especially during large-scale gatherings like Black Friday.

As the safety and administration of such occasions become more complex, it is crucial for authorities to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of all individuals during the holiday season.