Hoboken police investigate intruder at City Hall

HOBOKEN — The Hoboken Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred at the Mayor’s Office on Thursday night, according to a press release from the city.
A man entered City Hall through the Newark Street entrance just before 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 15 and went through the metal detectors and told security officers that he was going to use the restroom. At the time, the only person in the Mayor’s Office was Deputy Chief of Staff Jason Freeman.
Mayor Bhalla was on his way to the office following a community meeting. From his office, Mr. Freeman observed that a bag with an object had been thrown in the direction of the administrative assistant’s desk, and he made eye contact with the individual.
The individual then ran out of the Mayor’s Office. Mr. Freeman called the police, who are currently investigating the incident.
“This incident, along with death threats to me and my family, is an unfortunate reminder that we need to take security seriously,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla in the press release. “The Joint Terrorism Task Force has evaluated City Hall, and we have been working to implement their recommendations for physical and procedural changes to improve security for all employees in the building.”
“We take incidents like these incredibly seriously and will continue working to ensure the security of the mayor and everyone who visits City Hall,” said Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante.