Authorities are investigating after a masked man threw him Molotov cocktail at a synagogue in New Jersey.

At approximately 3 a.m. this morning, an unknown individual wearing a ski mask ignited and threw a hand-thrown incendiary weapon “Molotov cocktail” at the front door of a Greater MetroWest community synagogue. Thankfully, the device did not work as intended and as such, the damage was limited, the synagogue said in a statement. Police are on-scene and investigating.

“Our Chief Security Officer is working with all our law enforcement partners locally, from Essex County, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, and our security partners from the other Jewish Communal Security Programs in New Jersey and New York as well as the Secure Community Network.

This incident comes amidst a climate of intimidation and intolerance, and a rising tide of anti-Jewish hate crimes and hate speech against Jews. Our Jewish Federation will continue to work with all partners in the community to stand up to hate, build our resilience, and promote safety and security.”

Statement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin on Bias Incidents Currently Under Investigation 

“The Office of the Attorney General is aware of the attempted arson at a synagogue in Essex County that occurred in the early morning hours today. My office is working closely with local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to identify and apprehend the suspect in this attack. Our investigation remains ongoing. 

We are also aware of the attack on members of a church in Monmouth County that occurred on Saturday – another incident being pursued as potentially bias-motivated. Collaboration across multiple agencies is occurring in that ongoing investigation as well. 

We are cognizant of the fact that these attacks have occurred while violence continues to erupt in Israel, and while our own nation reckons with violence at home. I want to reassure all New Jerseyans – especially our friends and neighbors of the Black community and the Jewish faith – that law enforcement continues to take the appropriate steps to increase our presence around sensitive places so that everyone in our state can worship, love, and live without fear of violence or threat.”