January 28, 2026

Biweekly Homeland Security Insights for a Safer New Jersey.

Agency Announcements

Recent News

Thomas Hauck Named NJOHSP Director

Governor Mikie Sherrill has appointed Thomas Hauck as the director of NJOHSP. In his role, Director Hauck serves as the federally designated Homeland Security Advisor to the governor and is the Cabinet-level executive responsible for leading and coordinating New Jersey's counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybersecurity, and preparedness efforts. Hauck previously served as NJOHSP's Intelligence and Operations Division director where he led counterterrorism and counterintelligence efforts, coordinated with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and other law enforcement partners, and oversaw intelligence collection and outreach programs. Hauck, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, brings extensive law enforcement experience from his two-decade career with the FBI. He will advance NJOHSP's mission to safeguard New Jersey and its residents.

Juvenile Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder of Florence Officer; NJOHSP Partners in Investigation

The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO) and Florence Township Police Department (FTPD), in partnership with NJOHSP, led an investigation resulting in a guilty plea from a juvenile who attempted to kill a Florence Township police officer and assaulted two other officers.

On January 22, Fasihullah Safar, 17, of Alexandria, Virginia, pled guilty in Superior Court and will be sentenced as an adult in March to an 18-year term in state prison under an agreement with the BCPO. Safar had been following ISIS and planned to join the group, intending to promote terrorism.

"We commend the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the law enforcement partners involved for their outstanding work and close coordination in achieving a successful outcome," said NJOHSP Director Thomas Hauck in a press release. "NJOHSP is proud to partner with BCPO on this investigation and to continue supporting our law enforcement partners as we work to identify and prevent terrorism-related threats statewide."

The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Sgt. Shawn McDonough, FTPD Detective Matthew Nagle, NJOHSP Detective Sgt. Lauren Laielli, and NJOHSP Detective Daniel Connolly.

Apply Now: Reproductive Health Security Grant Program Application Period Open

The application period for the Reproductive Health Security Grant Program (RHSGP) is now open and will close February 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. NJOHSP, through its Grants Management Bureau, administers the program.

The RHSGP provides funding to eligible reproductive health care facilities, licensed by the State of New Jersey and in good standing, that provide reproductive health care services and determined to be at a high risk of unlawful activity, including acts of violence, property damage, vandalism, and harassment.

Recipients can use the funding to purchase security services, physical security equipment, preparedness training, emergency planning, and cybersecurity assets.

NJOHSP Welcomes Spring 2026 Interns

Six college students recently joined NJOHSP as part of the agency's Spring Internship Program where they will assist staff in the Intelligence and Analysis, Operations, and Grants Management bureaus, as well as the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell. The program helps interns develop and apply their educational training to a real-world setting as they explore various career paths. Students may receive college-approved credits for completed internships. The spring program began January 20, 2026, and concludes April 10, 2026. Internships are also offered during the summer and fall semesters. For more information, visit the NJOHSP careers web page.

Community Outreach

NJOHSP Expands Bleeding Control Kit Initiative to Religious Schools

NJOHSP is offering bleeding control kits, fully funded by grants, to eligible religious schools in New Jersey at no cost. Schools interested in these kits should complete a Houses of Worship Bleeding Control Kit Distribution Survey to help NJOHSP gather information for equitable distribution to faith-based communities statewide. The survey also allows schools to request in-person "STOP THE BLEED®" training. After survey completion, participants will receive an email to sign a Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement, after which kits will be distributed through NJOHSP's State, county, and local emergency management partners. In-person training sessions will be coordinated regionally, while online training is available through the ACS STOP THE BLEED® website. NJOHSP launched its Bleeding Control Kit program in March 2024 to help prevent deaths among victims with traumatic injuries received during an active shooter or hostile event incident, prior to the arrival of first responders. To date, NJOHSP has distributed approximately 2,200 bleeding control kits to faith-based communities throughout New Jersey. For more information, visit the Houses of Worship Bleeding Control Kits web page or contact bleedkits@njohsp.gov.

Security Updates

NJOHSP Assesses Increased Risk to NJ Jewish Community from Extremists

NJOHSP assesses that domestic extremists and homegrown violent extremists pose a high threat to the Jewish community in New Jersey. This assessment is based in part on antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories promoted by these extremists, their opposition to U.S. support for Israel, and their willingness to engage in violence.

On January 21, authorities arrested Alazim Baker, of Irvington (Essex County), in connection with an October assault of a rabbi in New York. According to the Department of Justice, while walking the block of a kosher restaurant in New York City, Baker allegedly approached a man wearing a yarmulke and aggressively questioned him about his religion. Baker refused to allow the rabbi to enter the restaurant and assaulted him, including grabbing his yarmulke and spitting on him. Baker then struck the rabbi in the face, resulting in a serious head injury. As the rabbi lay wounded on the ground, Baker yelled, "Let me spit on that Jew."

Baker directed additional antisemitic remarks to two individuals wearing yarmulkes who tried to intervene and help the rabbi, saying, "Your people own everything," "I want my reparation," and "I'm going to jail today." Baker allegedly then punched one of the individuals who attempted to help the rabbi. Baker allegedly was seen with brass knuckles on his hand.

Authorities charged Baker with two counts of committing hate crimes, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Toll Wars: Return of the SMiSh

SMS text phishing (SMiShing) scams impersonating the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission are circulating once again. The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) has received new reports of messages purporting to be final notices regarding traffic violations. The texts claim that unpaid fees will lead to the suspension of the recipient's license and registration, as well as reporting to collections and even legal proceedings. Threat actors behind this campaign are attempting to steal personally identifiable information and financial information. The NJCCIC advises users to refrain from clicking links, responding to, or acting on unsolicited text messages. Users should also confirm requests using contact information obtained from verified and official sources before providing sensitive information. Report suspicious messages to the NJCCIC. For more information, view the NJCCIC's latest alerts and advisories.

Training and Employment

Upcoming Training Programs

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.