American Dream megamall and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, N.J., seen on Oct. 25, 2019.
Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images
Recent Jersey’s American Dream mall — the second largest mall within the country — was evacuated minutes after it opened on Black Friday due to a bomb threat that was later deemed unfounded, police said.
Around 7:13 a.m. ET on Friday, just after American Dream opened its doors at 7 a.m., an individual told police there was a bomb inside the power, and officers evacuated the shopping mall so that they could search it, a spokesperson for the Recent Jersey State Police told CNBC.
The agency’s bomb and K-9 units swept the East Rutherford mall for explosive devices but didn’t find any, the spokesperson said. Police reopened American Dream around 9:15 a.m. for shoppers and retail employees, the mall said.
“The mall has been deemed protected and American Dream shall be returning to normal operations. This remains to be an lively investigation and there isn’t any additional information available,” the spokesperson said.
Recent Jersey State Police patrol the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, Recent Jersey, after a bomb scare, Nov. 24, 2023.
David Dee Delgado | Reuters
“American Dream was evacuated this morning following what was later deemed a non-credible threat. This was done out of an abundance of caution, as the security of our employees and guests is and can at all times be our priority,” American Dream told CNBC in a press release. “The middle has already re-opened. We sit up for a joyous and protected holiday season.”
Prior to the mall reopening, Recent Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy posted in regards to the evacuation on X, formerly often known as Twitter. He urged shoppers to heed instructions from law enforcement and walk safely to the closest exit.
“We are going to remain vigilant to make sure everyone stays protected this holiday season,” he said after the mall was reopened.
The evacuation got here on the most important shopping day of the 12 months, when many Americans are expected to flood malls across the country seeking one of the best holiday deals. The shopping holiday poses unique risks to retailers due to large crowds that it draws. In years past, fights have broken out between customers, and others were injured in stampedes.
Compounding the problem is the nationwide rise in mass shooting events, which have happened at numerous grocery stores and other retail establishments resembling Walmart.
