New Jersey sparks terror fears and confuses residents with statewide ‘see something, say something’ roadway campaign
New Jersey has been accused of stoking terror fears and confusing residents with a new statewide “see something, say something” campaign.
The campaign, which launched in New Jersey on September 1, projects the eerie message “suspected terrorism?” on billboards along the state’s major highways, telling drivers what to do if they suspect terrorist activity.
Although the reports come from government officials, some of the thousands of motorists who drive past the signs every day have grown concerned about what this might actually mean.
Locals have said the signs not only confuse them but have also left them wondering “what is going on that we are not being told about.”
It is clear that the signage is illuminated on the highways during rush hour.
The campaign, which launched in New Jersey on September 1, projects the eerie message “suspected terrorism?” on billboards along the state’s major highways
Laura Brunetti, who lives in Manalapan, New Jersey, said: ‘This has actually put me in a more cautious mode’
New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness said the signage should remind people to “be aware of their surroundings” because the public is the “first line of defense against terrorism.”
“The goal of the campaign over the coming months is to remind residents and visitors, who may be traversing New Jersey’s highways for the holidays, holiday shopping and other festivities, of the importance of being aware of their surroundings and reporting suspicious activities,” said director Laurie Doran.
“The public is one of our first and best lines of defense in the fight against terrorism.
“Our ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative strengthens the state’s security efforts and plays a key role in identifying threats and preventing attacks.”
The campaign will run through February and includes nearly 200 signs along major roadways in New Jersey.
NJ Department of Transpiration Commissioner and NJ Turnpike Authority Chairwoman Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said, “Safety and security are everyone’s responsibility.
“The use of variable message signs on the New Jersey Turnpike and our Interstate Highways will help remind millions of motorists to ‘see something, say something’ as they drive through our state.”
The campaign will run through February and includes nearly 200 signs along major roadways in New Jersey
“We are pleased to support this important public information campaign by displaying the message ‘See Something, Say Something’ on the digital Variable Message Signs above the New Jersey Turnpike,” said James Carone, executive director of the turnpike.
“The nearly 700,000 motorists who use the Turnpike on average each day play an important role in protecting public safety.
“These signs encourage them to speak up if they see suspicious activity.”
Some people were more suspicious of the campaign and wondered why it was suddenly focusing on New Jersey.
Laura Brunetti, who lives in Manalapan, New Jersey, told News 12, “This has actually put me in a more cautious mode.
“Yes, I would say something if I saw something, but this makes me think there is something underlying going on that is not yet public.”
One person wrote on social media: ‘Drivers in New Jersey are greeted with signs on the road that read: ‘Suspected terrorism? See Something, Say Something,” with a tip line number to report threats. Hmmmm…what do they know that we don’t??
Another added: ‘Hmmm… Wonder why they thought this was necessary?
A third person, who regularly drives through New Jersey, said, “I love having an anxiety disorder and driving around New Jersey and saying ‘SUSPECTED TERRORISM?’ to see. with yellow lights over every major highway.”
One person on
“When I first saw the sign a few weeks ago and last Sunday, I wondered what’s going on that we’re not being told about.”
One user also said the billboards were causing fear-mongering: ‘All the “suspected terrorism?” signs on all major NJ roads all start right before September 11th…it’s fear mongering plain and simple.”