An irresponsible message about a ‘major threat’ was circulated on “WhatsApp” purportedly in the name of Crown Heights Shomrim. Both the Police and Shomrim said that it was a false rumor and a hoax.

Security Alert ‘Hoax’ Goes Viral

An irresponsible message about a ‘major threat’ was circulated on “WhatsApp” purportedly in the name of Crown Heights Shomrim. Both the Police and Shomrim said that it was a false rumor and a hoax.

Earlier today a message was being circulated about “a major threat” in the neighborhood and that “bachurin [sic] were sent home early”. The message further said that “revenge attacks will take place in Crown Heights” in the name of Crown Heights Shomrim.

The message quickly spread with many forwarding the message and created a panic.

Shomrim and the NYPD were quick to quash the rumors and declaring it a hoax.

Detective Vincent Martinos said in a statement “This is a total false rumor. Neither the NYPD or Shomrim have any knowledge or information of a credible threat.” Meanwhile Shomrim Coordinator Gadi Hershkop said “Shomrim is NOT responsible for the false messages going around spreading panic in the neighborhood.”

Both Shomrim and the police quickly tweeted on their official twitter pages notices that these messages were false.

This incident comes on the heels of another similar hoax message that was spread yesterday following the story of a Jewish man who was attacked on an Eastern Parkway bench by a Black man who was under the influence of drugs.

An irresponsible message created a panic and cause people to erroneously believe that there was a stabbing in 770.

In light of the recent terror attacks against Jews in Israel the police have stepped up patrol and visibility, in a message the NYPD said “do to community concerns with the Middle East and community concerns over it, we will be increasing visible patrols via foot and house of worship autos making visits to schools and sensitive locations.”

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2 Comments

  • Appreciative

    Also everyone should realize that police Shomrim and any legit organization have outlets such as their own Facebook or Twitter accounts so if any rumors come out it would be worthwhile to check the social media outlet to see if anything is there and if not then its likely a hoax.