Clark Police Investigate Racist Letter Sent to Somali Family

Police in Clark, New Jersey, are investigating a racist letter sent to a Somali family that has sparked widespread community outrage.

The mailing, which arrived via first-class mail in a stamped envelope, targeted the family specifically because of their Somali heritage, according to a report from ABC7 New York.

The envelope bore the name “Americans for Safety New Jersey.”

The letter identified the family’s specific home address. It warned neighbors that the family “do not live or support the American way of life and would want to change it,” ABC7 New York reported.

The communication included a specific threat, stating, “If trouble begins within our borders your first return attack should be there.”

Racist letter targeting New Jersey family sent to residents | NBC New York

Gail Sweeney, a resident living near the targeted family, described the language used in the letter as deeply disturbing.

“Beyond the pale. It’s a degree of hatred and cruelty I find unfathomable,” Sweeney said.

Another resident told ABC7 New York that they had been “horrified” by the incident.

The incident has prompted residents to rally around the family and demand accountability. A local group known as Stronger Clark has been working to condemn the mailing and encourage unity within the township.

Clark Mayor Albanese Describes Her First Reaction to A Threatening Letter Targeting A Family

Michael Shulman, a resident, told ABC7 New York that the community should focus on shared connections rather than differences.

“We are a small town and we all come from different backgrounds and I think we all need to focus on what brings us together and not so much what brings us apart,” Shulman said.

Clark township officials issued a public statement acknowledging the fear-mongering contained in the letters. The township stated that such conduct “has no place in Clark.”

The Clark Police Department is currently investigating the case. Officials are working in coordination with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office to identify the sender.

Township officials have requested that any resident who receives a similar letter turn it over to the authorities instead of throwing it away.

While many residents have come forward to support the investigation, some neighbors expressed ongoing unease. One resident told ABC7 New York, “I’ve been worried since I’ve lived here.”

The mailing has drawn particular attention to the township, where some residents claim there is a history of racist incidents.