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Police searching for suspect who threw Molotov cocktail at New Jersey synagogue, officials say

Police in New Jersey are searching for a suspect who they say threw a lit Molotov cocktail at a synagogue on Sunday in an arson attempt.

According to a news release from the Bloomfield Police Department, the person pegged the homemade device at the front door of Temple Ner Tamid about 3 a.m. and fled the scene. The bottle broke, but did not cause any damage to the building, police said.

Police said the man “fled down the driveway,” before leaving the scene and no injuries were reported.

On Facebook, police also provided still images of the suspect with his face covered.

The Bloomfield Police Department in New Jersey is searching for this suspect who they say threw a lit molotov cocktail at a synagogue on Sunday, Jan. 29 2023.
The Bloomfield Police Department in New Jersey is searching for this suspect who they say threw a lit molotov cocktail at a synagogue on Sunday, Jan. 29 2023.

Photos show the person dressed in black clothing, including a shirt that appeared to have a skull and crossbones design on it.

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Security bolstered after attempted arson

In a statement released to USA TODAY on Monday morning, Temple Ner Tamid, which serves 540 families, said it cancelled activities at the synagogue Sunday and that it expected an ongoing, heightened police presence this week. Around 200 children in kindergarten through grade six were expected to arrive at the school for classes Sunday.

In the statement, Rabbi Marc Katz said he was angry and sad about the crime.

"Our cameras recorded the incident and our shatter-resistant doors held," Katz said. "We have and will continue to do everything in our power to keep our community safe."

Katz said his congregation remains "remain proudly Jewish in light of rising hatred."

“There’s a new level of anxiety among my congregation because this hits closer to home than anything they’ve experienced,” the rabbi said.

‘Proudly Jewish in light of rising hatred’: Bloomfield rabbi speaks after arson attempt

The temple includes a preschool and a K-12 religious school, according to its website. It describes itself as a “welcoming, diverse, and musical Reform congregation where members connect with their heritage while thinking progressively about the present.”

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said his office was working with local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies to find the suspect.

Contributing: Hannan Adely, NorthJersey.c

Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Molotov cocktail thrown at NJ synagogue Temple Ner Tamid: Police