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 Biweekly Homeland Security Insights for a Safer New Jersey
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 As we commemorate the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks tomorrow, we pause to honor the victims, the courage and sacrifice of first responders, the resilience of survivors, and the families and communities forever impacted. This tragedy changed our nation and our state forever.
We will never forget.
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NJOHSP Promotes Preparedness Initiatives for National Preparedness Month
 As National Preparedness Month is observed each September, NJOHSP stands at the forefront of efforts to equip residents, communities, and businesses with the necessary tools to face emergencies and disasters.
The agency offers a range of preparedness resources, including NJ Shield, which was developed in partnership with the New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center.
The NJ Shield program is a free service that serves as a centralized location for members to obtain counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness information and resources. The programs's Hometown Security Initiative offers private-sector companies, community-based organizations, and government agencies throughout the state customizable in-person and virtual preparedness seminars.
NJOHSP also works closely with facility owners and operators across the state to enhance safety and resilience. As part of this effort, the agency conducts in-depth security assessments of critical facilities to evaluate their current protective measures. These assessments help identify potential vulnerabilities and areas where security can be improved. Once completed, the NJOHSP provides tailored recommendations to facility managers, offering practical steps to close security gaps and strengthen their overall preparedness against potential threats.
NJOHSP, as the NJ State Administrative Agency (SAA), additionally administers federal and State security grant programs. By working with local and State partners, NJOHSP strengthens NJ's preparedness to protect residents, visitors, communities, houses of worship, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
To further augment your preparedness efforts during National Preparedness Month, consider exploring additional resources from the following State and federal agencies:
Church Shooting Highlights Need for Houses of Worship to Collaborate with Law Enforcement and Enhance Security
On August 27, 2025, a lone active shooter opened fire at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a scheduled school-wide Mass attended by the students and faculty of Annunciation Catholic School.
The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, a former student, killed two children, injured 21 others, and then committed suicide. Before the attack, Westman posted videos on social media related to, “extremely violent thoughts and ideas,” expressing racist, anti-Christian, antisemitic, anti-immigrant, and anti-government sentiments, along with calling for the death of President Donald Trump.
Analyst Comment: A variety of ideologies motivate extremists to target houses of worship. These facilities are considered soft targets as they are easily accessible and have limited security or protective measures. In March 2023, authorities arrested Nicholas Mucci, of Toms River, NJ, for attacking attendees in January at an anti-racism concert at the Trinity Episcopal Parish in Asbury Park, NJ. While yelling, “White lives matter, too,” Mucci attempted to block concertgoers from leaving the event and threw multiple smoke bombs toward the church before driving off and returning later to pepper spray the remaining attendees. On June 20, 2024, Mucci was sentenced to eight years in prison and 42 months of parole ineligibility. NJOHSP was the lead investigative agency, with support from several other partner agencies. Congregations are encouraged to foster relationships with local law enforcement, create a security committee, develop and attend security-related training, and establish security and emergency plans. Enhancing physical security is essential for protecting these facilities and their members, including implementing access controls, alarm systems, interior CCTV systems, locks and keys, and exterior lighting.
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‘Loveable’ CAPTCHA Scam Targets Microsoft Credentials
A new adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) phishing campaign is attempting to harvest credentials. Emails claiming to be from the help desk include a link to reset or retain the current password. Upon clicking it, users are directed to a Loveable.app math-based CAPTCHA, which helps threat actors bypass security measures. Completing the CAPTCHA redirects users to a fake Microsoft authentication page. Any credentials entered will be forwarded to the hackers.
The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) recommends users refrain from clicking links and opening attachments in unsolicited or unexpected emails and confirm requests using verified and official sources before acting. The NJCCIC further advises enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) where available.
For more information, view the NJCCIC's latest alerts and advisories.
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NJOHSP Awaits Funding for Federal Grant Programs
NJOHSP, as the NJ State Administrative Agency (SAA), is committed to robust information sharing with our federal partners to glean vetted information and share it with all State, county, and local partners in NJ.
The following information, regarding federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024 and 2025 grant programs, is an effort to share timely and accurate information that can assist grant participants with strategic planning and decision-making:
FFY24 Nonprofit Security Grant Program – National Security Supplemental (NSGP-NSS) - $25,183,624
- NJOHSP has submitted acceptance of this grant program within FEMA GO, the DHS grant administration platform. NJOHSP will reach out to FEMA-selected recipients in the coming days and is finalizing award notices, which are expected to be issued within the next two weeks, followed by a “Recipient Workshop” (date to be determined). Those not selected for a grant will also receive a formal letter notification.
FFY25 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) to include the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - $18,994,023
- NJOHSP submitted pre-application documents as required
- NJ’s award package from FEMA/DHS is expected shortly
FFY25 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) - $28,370,087
- NJOHSP submitted pre-application documents as required
- NJ’s award package from FEMA/DHS is expected shortly
FFY25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) - $1,703,280
- NJOHSP submitted pre-application documents as required
- NJ’s award package from FEMA/DHS is expected shortly
FFY25 Presidential Residence Protection Assistance Grant Program (PRPA) - To Be Determined
- $300 million federal allocation
- NJOHSP is waiting for funding availability from FEMA/DHS
NJOHSP will continue to share information and updates as received from FEMA/DHS and all federal partners as necessary.
Please visit NJOHSP's website at njohsp.gov for more information as it becomes available.
Last Call for Submitting NJ Nonprofit Security Grant Program Applications
The deadline for NJOHSP's application period for the State fiscal year 2026 New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJ NSGP) is September 15, 2025. Applicants are advised to ensure their Vulnerability Risk Assessments (VRAs) are current, particularly if recent security improvements have mitigated previous vulnerabilities.
All VRAs must now include photographs of the facility for which security upgrades are requested, as well as images of specific areas requiring upgrades, including door locks, window blast film protection, and locations where closed-circuit television installation is requested.
This requirement applies to VRAs completed by local-, county-, and State-level law enforcement or private security firms. Failure to update a facility's VRA and provide the specified photographs may result in disqualification of the grant application.
For more information and to apply, visit NJOHSP's grants web page.
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Upcoming Training Programs
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NJOHSP-Coordinated Training
All NJOHSP-coordinated training courses are posted on the NJOHSP State Training Calendar. The calendar provides a course description, training location, target audience, and point of contact.
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 Administrative Analyst 3
NJOHSP has an opening for a full-time Administrative Analyst 3 position assigned to the Training and Exercise Bureau within the Preparedness Division. The selected candidate will support activities for the Active Threat Team. The Active Threat Team focuses on preparing first responders, private sector partners and communities across New Jersey for active threat incidents through the development, coordination, and delivery of educational programs; collaborating with partners on developing standardized protocols across multiple disciplines; providing assistance on the development of emergency action plans; testing and validating plans, policies, procedures, and capabilities through discussion- and operations-based exercises; and the creation of resources.
To apply, visit NJOHSP's careers web page.
Counter-Threat Watch Specialist
NJOHSP invites talented individuals to apply for a Counter-Threat Watch Specialist position assigned to the Mission Support Bureau within the Intelligence and Operations Division, located at the New Jersey Regional Operations and Intelligence Center (NJ ROIC) in West Trenton, NJ. Requirements include a background in law enforcement/criminal justice, intelligence, or homeland security, as the job requires a basic understanding of the current threat environment. The position also requires strong writing and computer skills, the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects in collaboration with various NJOHSP staff, the ability to adapt to a fluctuating workload, and the ability to work with individuals of all backgrounds. The successful candidate will be a team member with the ability to adapt easily to meet priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced and ever-changing threat environment.
To apply, visit NJOHSP's careers web page.
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Contact Information
For more information or to share feedback, please contact the Communications Bureau at communications@njohsp.gov.
The NJ Security Spotlight is a biweekly newsletter of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and is intended to provide constituents with important agency updates, publications, and announcements.
Please visit njohsp.gov/connect/nj-security-spotlight to read previous newsletters.
Report Threat-Related Suspicious Activity
Call 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or email tips@njohsp.gov.
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