Paterson mosque evacuated after 'swatting' incident

About 200 people were evacuated Thursday morning from a Paterson mosque as police investigated what they're calling a "swatting" incident. Police say they received two phone calls at around 3:40 a.m.

News 12 Staff

Jul 3, 2015, 12:07 AM

Updated 3,231 days ago

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Paterson mosque evacuated after 'swatting' incident
About 200 people were evacuated Thursday morning from a Paterson mosque as police investigated what they're calling a "swatting" incident.
Police say they received two phone calls at around 3:40 a.m. about an active shooter at the Islamic Center of Passaic County.
The caller was a man who said he was armed with an automatic weapon and an explosive device, which he threatened to use against any person who approached him - including police officers.
Authorities say police and SWAT units checked the building and found no weapons or bombs. The building was cleared at around 9 a.m.
Anyone who may have any information about the call is urged to contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120 or 973-523-TIPS.
Authorities are offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest.


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