Federal
authorities are still working to confirm the authenticity of a racist 180-page
document, purportedly written by accused
Buffalo shooter Payton Gendron, that
said the assault was intended to terrorize all non-white, non-Christian people
and get them to leave the country.
References were allegedly made to
towns in Ocean County in the document.
Even though Gendron is from an upstate New York town over three
hours from northern Ocean County, he specifically mentioned Toms River and
Lakewood, writing derogatory statements about
the Hasidic Jewish communities, according to published reports. The
writing also mentioned Jersey City.
“I can't say disbelief because we are seeing too much of that,”
says Ocean County Undersheriff Nils Bergquist. “It certainly
turns my stomach.”
Toms River Mayor Mo Hill assured the community that law
enforcement is on alert.
“I have every confidence that Chief Mitch Little, our Toms River police
officers adequately protect our residents from any events,” says Hill.
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles sent a statement to News
12, saying, "Unfortunately, the sentiments I heard attributed to
the shooter are nothing new. We are constantly on guard for any sign something
like this could happen here. Our police department works closely with all
schools, synagogues and churches on their security measures. In addition to our
police department many of our local volunteer agencies routinely patrol town
and report anything suspicious back to PD. "
Law enforcement in Ocean County say there was no specific threats made
against the community and the individual was acting alone.