State Homeland Security Chief Vows Vigilance

The state's Homeland Security chief on Monday sought to assure residents that there is no credible threat to New Jersey or the nation following the death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan on Sunday.

In a release from the director of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Charles B. McKenna said the security office and Gov. Chris Christie have been in close contact since news of bin Laden's death on Sunday, the release said.

The homeland security office also has been in close contact with the FBI and other security agencies, including the federal Department of Homeland Security, the release said.

"The possibility of retaliation exists after an event such as this but, as stated earlier; there is no specific information at this time that there is any particular act on the horizon,'' the release said.

However, the release said, it is important to be aware of your surroundings  and report anything suspicious to a 24-hour state homeland security hotline at: 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-3365).

People may notice an increased police presence in public places, the release said, which is part of an "heightened sense of preparedness'' rather than any specific threat.

“New Jersey and the country will not be deterred by the acts of terrorism and we will continue to fight against it, wherever it manifests itself,” McKenna said in the release.