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Biweekly Homeland Security Insights for a Safer New Jersey
 As we gather to observe Thanksgiving, NJOHSP wishes everyone a safe and joyful celebration filled with gratitude, warmth, and memorable moments with loved ones. Thank you for being an essential part of our community.
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AQAP Amplifies US Polarization to Inspire HVEs to Action
Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula(AQAP) and its supporters release propaganda exploiting divisive U.S. events, such as American support for Israel, and antisemitic attacks, to inspire homegrown violent extremists.
Since June, the group and its followers have distributed four publications designed to capitalize on perceived U.S. instability and admonish western governments. Each publication praises past attackers to shame perceived inaction among sympathizers and seeks to inspire renewed commitment.
In October and November, authorities arrested New Jersey residents Tomas Jimenez-Guzal and Milo Sedarat for allegedly attempting to travel to join ISIS and making antisemitic threats.
Analyst Note: While not inspired by al-Qa'ida or one of its affiliates, these arrests show the enduring ability of foreign terrorist organizations to inspire supporters in New Jersey.
Read the full intelligence note.
Calendar Invites Increasingly Used in Social Engineering Schemes
Threat actors are impersonating representatives of the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits in a new social engineering scheme that leverages the Calendly scheduling tool. According to the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), they are emailing fraudulent calendar invites in an attempt to bypass email security filters. The invite may include links to phishing websites that request sensitive information, account login credentials, or attachments used to install malware. These and similar schemes are often used to collect personal information for the purpose of stealing funds, committing identity theft, and other malicious activities.
The NJCCIC recommends verifying the legitimacy of unexpected meeting invites before opening and refraining from opening attachments or clicking links delivered in the calendar invitation. If you believe you have received a suspicious calendar invite, notify your organization's IT department immediately.
For more information, view the NJCCIC's latest alerts and advisories.
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Governor's Executive Order Enhances NJOHSP's Security Response
Gov. Phil Murphy enacted Executive Order No. 404 on November 12, updating the mission focus of NJOHSP, which was originally founded in 2006. The Executive Order strengthens and streamlines the state's ability to respond effectively to various threats. The action also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the NJOHSP Director and the Office as a whole and better aligns NJOHSP's legal authority with its actual operations.
"Governor Murphy's action reinforces the evolution of homeland security in New Jersey," said NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran. "This modernization ensures our ability to confront a broader spectrum of threats, from foreign intelligence operations to technological and biological risks, with the same vigilance, leadership, and coordination that have long defined NJOHSP. By formalizing our counterintelligence role and strengthening our partnerships across government, we are enhancing our state's readiness to identify, deter, and disrupt those who seek to harm New Jersey's people, institutions, or infrastructure. Our mission remains clear: to protect this state, its residents, and its democratic foundations with foresight, integrity, and unity of purpose."
The Executive Order affirms NJOHSP's lead role in counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybersecurity, and related preparedness efforts while strengthening coordination across New Jersey's security enterprise to meet an evolving threat landscape
Read the full press release.
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NJOHSP Interfaith Meeting Highlights Threat Environment, Security Grants
 NJOHSP's State Training and Exercise Coordinator Tyler Powell addresses IAC members during the group's recent meeting.
On November 6, faith-based leaders and law enforcement partners convened at NJOHSP's final Interfaith Advisory Council (IAC) meeting of the year at the Middlesex County Fire Academy in Sayreville, NJ. NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran and staff briefed members on the recent threat landscape leading up to and during the holiday season, reminding attendees of the increased need for situational awareness, preparedness, and communication. NJOHSP is committed to partnering with local leaders to counter emerging threats and bolster the resilience of faith-based communities.
NJOHSP established the IAC in 2012 to foster communication and collaboration between State government and the diverse religious communities across New Jersey. The IAC, which serves as a leading model for interfaith outreach in the nation, is a platform for faith-based organizations to engage with State officials on security issues, emergency preparedness, and community resilience.
NJOHSP's Engelhardt to Share Insights on Securing Large-Scale Events
 NJOHSP Deputy Director Daniel Engelhardt will be a featured panelist in the upcoming webinar, "High Stakes, Shared Responsibility: Leading Safely Through Major Events," where he will share invaluable insights into the strategies that are redefining large-scale event management. As the complexity of large-scale events continues to rise, the need for innovative and effective public safety strategies becomes increasingly critical.
The program will be held Wednesday, December 17, at 1 p.m., and will include other leading experts who will offer attendees an in-depth exploration of the complex challenges involved in organizing major events like parades, concerts, and championship games.
Participants will gain insights into how public safety and government leaders use real-time data integration to boost preparedness and improve inter-agency coordination, focusing on crowd management, traffic flow, medical response, and public trust.
Register now for the webinar.
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Explore NJOHSP Programs at the 2025 NJ League of Municipalities Conference
NJOHSP has an informational booth at the New Jersey League of Municipalities 110th Annual Conference through November 20 in Atlantic City, NJ. Attendees can visit NJOHSP representatives at the Atlantic City Convention Hall, where they will be showcasing the agency's comprehensive range of programs designed to enhance the safety and preparedness of communities across the state. This event provides an excellent opportunity for local communities to learn more about NJOHSP's initiatives, including training workshops, public awareness campaigns, grant programs, partnership opportunities, and cybersecurity best practices.
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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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 State Training and Exercise Coordinator (Administrative Analyst 3)
NJOHSP has an opening for a full-time position assigned to the Training and Exercise Bureau within the Preparedness Division. The last day to apply is 4 p.m. Monday, December 1.
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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