New Jersey city's first Sikh mayor is getting death threats
The first Sikh mayor of New Jersey's Hoboken city in the US is receiving death threats. The public revelation comes after an intruder tried to attack Indian-American Ravinder Bhalla, Hoboken Mayor, inside the City Hall. "This incident, along with death threats to me and my family, is an unfortunate reminder that we need to take security seriously," he said.
Bhalla's campaign marred by anonymous slanderous flyers
Bhalla became Hoboken's first Sikh mayor after being elected in November. He has been on the city council for more than seven years. The campaign had turned ugly as campaign flyers circulated anonymously termed Bhalla a "terrorist."
The attack at the City Hall this week
According to reports, a man entered the City Hall on the evening of February 15, crossing metal detectors, saying he needed to use the washroom. At that time, only Deputy Chief of Staff Jason Freeman was present in the office. Freeman saw the man throwing a bag towards the administrative assistant's desk. He then ran out of the office. The incident is being probed.
The city now working with FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force
Bhalla has since issued a statement, saying they are working with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force to enhance security at City Hall. "The Task Force has evaluated City Hall, and we've been working to implement their recommendations for physical and procedural changes to improve security for all employees in the building," he said. Police have assured they are taking the matter "incredibly seriously."
