Ocean, Middlesex, Hudson and Passaic counties have accounted for most of the suspicious activity reported statewide since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, according to New Jersey Counter Terrorism Watch Unit leader Dan Geddes.

According to Geddes, many of the reports have been regarding bias against both Jews and Muslims. And more than half of the incidents have been reported at religious facilities and schools.

Geddes was speaking at a security briefing for inter-faith leaders in the state organized by Rep. Andy Kim’s office.

Also speaking on the call was James Dennehy, the special agent in charge of the Newark Field Office in New Jersey, who explained that there has been 15 acts of bias against Jews and Muslims in the state since October 7th, but no specific or credible threat has been made regarding an organized attack.

“Where are aggresively utilizing every tool and technice availble to include tripwires and keeping close tabs on our existing subjects – some of whom have reacted strongly to this war,” Dennehy noted.

Another speaker on the panel, Michael Geraghty, who serves as the State’s Chief Information Security Officer and Director of the NJ Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) spoke about the rise in phishing attempts and revealed a Denial of Service attack which occured last week on JFK Airport website.

Geraghty explained that the airport was targeted “because that is where most of the Jews travel in and out of the United States,” according to Geraghty, the attack “had no impact.”

Speakers on the panel included the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, New Jersey FBI – Newark Office, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives, and New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell.