Dear Governor Murphy,
I write to you as a resident and citizen of New Jersey out of concern for the growing threat of white supremacist terrorism to the government and people of our state. The attack on our nation's Capitol on January 6 has emboldened the terrorists who planned and perpetrated that crime. They have broadcast their intentions over social media to stage further attacks, in Washington DC and across the nation, on Sunday January 17 and again on January 20 during the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Panic would of course be counter-productive at this juncture. The criminals who are broadcasting this message are doing so precisely to stoke fear and sow chaos. They hope that the people of New Jersey will overestimate their numbers and overreact to even innocuous disruptions, turning on one-another in our distress. That must not happen.
But neither can the threat of these attacks be dismissed as wholly insignificant. On November 1 caravans of right-wing thugs blockaded highways and bridges at several points in the Garden State, ostensibly to show their support for Donald Trump. That was an act of domestic sabotage that may be prelude to more violent seditious acts to come.
As a citizen of your state, I would like your assurance that preparations are being made against this danger. Please assure us that state and local law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert, that the National Guard has been mobilized, and that steps have been taken not only to protect government offices and elected officials but also key infrastructure (power stations, internet servers, radio stations, etc.).
Calm is vital. Terrorists only win if they can induce panic. But the preservation of calm relies on awareness of two principles.
The first is that for terrorists, success breeds success. Leaving the Capitol vulnerable produced dramatic images, which produced fear in the general public and enthusiasm in criminal extremists, which in turn produces new vulnerabilities. It falls on you to prepare the state so that these terrorists cannot score another propaganda victory and further leverage their influence.
The second principle is that calm must be cultivated from the top. We need you to get the message out that the state is prepared and that violent extremism will not be tolerated. If you are forthright and determined, we the people will respond with civic courage and unity.
Thank you for your service during this difficult time. Please accept my best wishes for your health and safety, and that of all who serve with you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Meyer
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