Day: April 22, 2020

Burlington, Lakehurst, Mercer County, New Hanover, Ocean County, Trenton, Wrightstown

President Donald J. Trump Announces “Operation America Strong” Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over Airshows Coming To A City Near You

April 22, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC–President Donald J. Trump has confirmed there will be airshows over America’s major cities from the USAF Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels as announced today during his daily COVID-19 press conference.

President Donald J. Trump said, “I am excited to announce that in the coming weeks the Airforce Thunderbirds they’re  incredible and the Navy Blue Angels equally incredible will be performing airshows  over America’s major cities and some of the cities that aren’t major cities, they are going to be doing a lot of work and a lot of dangerous flying, its dangerous you know the odds when you start going massive speeds and your 18 inches away from each other, that’s dangerous work. (Looking over at VP Pence) Your son is a great pilot and a, I don’t know if he could be, could he be a Thunderbird? (VP Pence, “We’ll See.) I don’t know? I think he probably could be from what I hear, I don’t know if I would want him to be. Its incredible what they can do and to sacrifice. What we’re doing is paying tribute to our front line health care workers confronting COVID and its really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak. This is a tribute to them, to our warriors because the are equal warriors to those incredible pilots and all the fighters we have for the more traditional fights, that we win, and we win and when we want to we always win. Sometimes we don’t want to win so we just go to a standstill but that’s always a, that’s not the way this country works.

Operation America Strong was the idea of our great military men and women the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels crews who wanted to show support to the American medical workers who just like military members in a time of war are fiercely running toward the fight. Its going to be great, I want to see those shows and I seen them many times and I can’t get enough of them. On July 4, we will be doing what we had at the mall as you know, last year was a tremendous success and I would imagine and I can use the term forever. That was a great success as you remember even thou it was pouring it was raining so hard, it was raining, it was hard as I have seen in a while, but it was an amazing success. It didn’t bother the pilots I didn’t bother the military it didn’t bother the crews that we had there. So were going to be doing that again on July 4th”

President Donald J. Trump’s announcement starts at 23:30 in the video posted by C-Span

As MidJersey.news accurately reported the event was in the “planning stage” from information obtained from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakurst Facebook page when someone asked a question if it was going to happen today. This is the response:

“Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst The Blue Angels / Thunderbird flight in this region is still in planning phases. Each of the demo teams and our base Facebook page will release the information at the appropriate time. It’s not happening today. Thanks for reaching out.“

MidJersey.news showed a possible leaked draft document that was making its way around social media and creating quite an Internet buzz. The document includes quite a bit of information and a possible flight path. We have no way to confirm that document is real, but with President Trump’s announcement today it could be a possibility so stay tuned.

The only way we will know when it is, the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will post official information about the flight as well as the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels I suggest you follow all three Facebook pages and any other social media outlets from each group.

Once MidJersey.news finds out more details we will let you know.

Photos from the US Navy Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds Facebook pages.
Burlington, Lakewood, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Trenton

Terroristic Threats in Hampton, Bias Crimes in Ft. Lee, Bayville Man Charged With Sexual Assault, Lakewood Wedding, Gathering, School Open, More Charges In Newark In Daily COVID-19 Violations

April 22, 2020

TRENTON – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced the following recent enforcement actions related to COVID-19, including those involving individuals in violation of Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders: Assaults and Threats Against Police Officers, EMTs, or Others

  • Daniel Lurie, 48, of Hampton, N.J., was arrested on April 19 by the New Jersey State Police on charges of terroristic threats during an emergency (2nd degree), resisting arrest (3rd degree), throwing bodily fluid at an officer (4th degree), obstruction (4th degree), and violating the emergency orders.  State troopers were called to Lurie’s residence on a “medical assist” after Lurie called 9-1-1.  When troopers arrived, Lurie was combative.  He allegedly stated he had the coronavirus and spat and coughed on troopers.  He was arrested and taken to the hospital.

Bias Incidents

  • Afrim Haxhaj, 30, of Jackson Heights, N.Y., was charged yesterday, April 21, by the Fort Lee Police Department with bias intimidation (4th degree) and harassment (petty disorderly persons offense).  Haxhaj allegedly confronted a Jewish man in a Dunkin Donuts in Fort Lee on Monday, April 20, and told him to get out, saying Jews are responsible for the coronavirus. He allegedly warned the victim not to return.  When the victim returned to the Dunkin Donuts yesterday, Haxhaj allegedly threatened him again, saying he does not want Jews in his neighborhood and bumping his chest into the victim.  The victim left and called 9-1-1.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Indictable Offenses

  • Robert Murphy, 19, of Bayville, N.J., was charged by the Morris Plains Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office with attempted aggravated sexual assault (2nd degree), endangering the welfare of a child (3rd degree), and violating the emergency orders.  Murphy allegedly had arranged to meet an underage girl last night, April 21, at Community Park in Morris Plains for sexual activity.  He had contacted the girl through social media.  The victim’s parents became aware in advance and alerted police, who arrested Murphy when he showed up at the park at about 11 p.m.
  • Tyriese J. Reddick, 30, of Gloucester Township, was charged yesterday, April 21, by the Gloucester Township Police with four counts of burglary (3rd degree) and violating the emergency orders.  Reddick allegedly broke into four vehicles in a neighborhood in Gloucester Township and took money from them.  He also was wanted on warrants in the City of Camden.

Other Violations of Executive Orders, Including “Stay at Home” Order, and Ordinances

  • Newark Enforcement.  The Newark Police Department’s COVID-19 task force issued 29 summonses for violations of the emergency orders in enforcement actions yesterday, April 21.
  • Michael Masi, 47, of Branchburg, was charged yesterday afternoon, April 21, by the Plainfield Police Department with violating the emergency orders.  Police were called to  Michael Anthony Auto Sales on Richmond Street in Plainfield on a report of a dispute.  When police arrived, they found people in the lot shopping for a car and three customers inside attempting to buy a car.  Masi said he was making “curbside auto sales.”
  • Andres Torres, 31, and Jose Nolasco, 51, of Union City, were charged with violating the emergency orders on April 18 by the Union City Police Department.  Torres owns La Roca supermarket on Bergenline Avenue in Union City.  Police conducted a walk-through and found more than 50 people in the grocery store, with customers crowding around certain sections of the store. This had occurred on at least two prior occasions and the business was warned about occupancy limits.  Nolasco is the store manager.
  • Shmuel Hirth, 49, Asher Jacobs, 23, Shmuel Weneintraub, 21, Pinchos Sinsky, 19, Shcomo Rosenfeld, 18, Arych Penstien, 22, Yuhuda Bronspigez, 25, and Rivka Jacobs, 47, were charged yesterday by the Lakewood Police and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with violating the emergency orders.  Police responded to a report of a school that was open in the first block of Drake Road.  Police found a group of male students at the school who had been given permission to study there by the head of the school, Shmuel Hirth.  Rivka Jacobs is the mother of one of the students, who is a juvenile.
  • Yakov Makukha, 40, Pinchos Aron, 25, Miriam Aron, 33, Yehudah Aron, 36, Tziporah Aron, 33, Yaakov Wiesner, Peninah Wiesner, 30, Ephraim Aron, 34, and Shmarya Aron, 20, were charged yesterday, April 21, by the Lakewood Police and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with violating the emergency orders.  Police responded to Read Place on a report of a back yard wedding.  Officers found a van in the driveway occupied by two adults and three children. The driver advised that she was there for family photos for a wedding. In the back yard, there was a photographer, Yakov Makukha, photographing a family of six.  Summonses were issued to all of the adults who were present.
  • Alexander Ellinson, 64, of Lakewood, was charged yesterday, April 21, with disorderly conduct.  As the Lakewood Police and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office were investigating a report of a large gathering at a home on 8th Street, Ellinson, a neighbor, pulled up in his SUV and began yelling at police about their actions at his neighbor’s house.  He continued to yell and nearly struck an officer as he drove away. Police stopped him and issued a summons.
  • William Teachen, 59, of Metuchen, was charged yesterday, April 21, by the Metuchen Police with obstruction and violating the emergency orders, both disorderly persons offenses.  An officer found Teachen riding his bicycle along the Middlesex County Greenway, a closed county park, and told him to exit the park.  Teachen allegedly failed to comply and rode away.  After the officer activated his siren and exited his vehicle to request identification, Teachen allegedly tried to ride past the officer, disobeyed commands, and had to be physically removed from his bicycle.  The park entrances are taped off and there are signs indicating the park is closed
  • Dajour Clybourn, 23, of Bridgeton, was charged yesterday by the Bridgeton Police with resisting arrest, obstruction, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violating the emergency orders, all disorderly persons offenses.  Police responded to a report that Clybourn was panhandling and harassing another person.  Clybourn ran away when officers arrived.  When police apprehended her, they allegedly found a crack cocaine pipe in her possession.

 The defendants who were charged strictly with violating the emergency orders or local ordinances and who do not face more serious charges were charged by summons— they were not arrested.  Those cases will be adjudicated in municipal court.  “One month after Governor Murphy issued his emergency orders, we are flattening the curve and saving lives, because the vast majority of our residents are conscientiously obeying the social distancing rules and doing their share to fight COVID-19,” said Attorney General Grewal.  “Unfortunately, there are still those who violate the orders, risking the further spread of this deadly virus.  What is worse, there are some who deliberately threaten our brave police officers, medical personnel, and other essential workers, impeding their vital work.  Our message to violators is that we will hold you accountable, whether it is through a summons for those who violate the social distancing orders, or an arrest on indictable charges for those who deliberately harm or threaten others during this emergency.”    “Although law enforcement and medical professionals are on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, we are ultimately winning the war because of the extraordinary resolve and fortitude of New Jersey citizens who are doing their part day in and day out, abiding by the executive orders and sacrificing for the greater good,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “Those who choose to ignore the law and selfishly place others at risk will face swift law enforcement action.” Violations of the emergency orders constitute a disorderly persons offense carrying a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.  However, violators can potentially face criminal charges including second, third, and fourth degree indictable offenses. On April 1, Attorney General Grewal announced enhanced charges against six people who were charged with assaulting and threatening law enforcement officers and violating the emergency orders.  Specifically, those enhanced charges included making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, which is a second degree offense carrying a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.  Eighteen additional defendants, including Daniel Lurie, have been similarly charged since that time for alleged assaults or threats against law enforcement officers, medical personnel, or others. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are seeing a lack of compliance with the Governor’s emergency orders in your town, please contact your local police department or report here https://covid19.nj.gov/violation The Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey State Police will continue to work with law enforcement throughout New Jersey to deter non-complaint behavior. No one should take advantage of this pandemic to further their own biased agendas.  COVID-19 is no excuse to promote anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and or other biased stereotypes.  Please report bias crimes at 1-800-277-BIAS.

  • New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan listens during Governor Phil Murphy’s updates to the media on the State’s response to the coronavirus Friday, April 17, 2020, at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
Press Pool File Photo by Thomas Costello
Mercer County, Trenton

Governor Murphy Tours Acute Care Facilities at East Orange General Hospital and New Bridge Medical Center

April 22, 2020

Press pool story by: Brent JohnsonThe Star-Ledger & NJ.com

Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday morning tour a pair of quickly constructed pop-up hospital sites in Essex and Bergen County to help ensure the state has enough space for the influx of patients from the coronavirus pandemic. 

Murphy first visited what was once a partially closed wing of East Orange General Hospital that has now been outfitted with 250 beds. He then visited a one-time gymnasium at New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus that has been transformed into a 30-bed facility — with some beds directly under the basketball hoop. There will also be a 100-bed tent facility at the site. 

East Orange is set to open around May 5, officials said. The gym site at New Brunswick will open Monday, with the tent part opening April 29, officials said. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has spent the last few weeks to rapidly rework the locations. 

Murphy was joined on the tours by Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite of the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan and state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. He was joined in Paramus by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., and Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. 

Officials said the sites are needed not just to help handle patients now but in case the virus comes back in the fall or winter — which experts say is possible, if not likely.

Semonite said the goal was the Army Corps giving the state options — sites that are able to be adapted to handle patients now or later, with the ability to leave them up or take them down when needed.

“That buys you insurance down the road if you need it,” he told the governor. 

Murphy agreed. 

“We have plussed up our capacity in a dramatic way,” the governor said. “It’s not just what we need on May 5. If this virus returns like a lot of other viruses, you could see it come back in the late fall or early winter.” 

Murphy told reporters that the state needs to prepare for a second wave, including beefing up testing, with help from the federal government. 

“A lot of folks the general and I would look to to take our cues from will suggest this is something that not only could come back but is more likely than not to come back — even if we do everything right,” the governor said. “We’ve got to be prepared yet. We’re not there yet. But this is a huge step in that direction.”

Officials said several floors at the East Orange building have been used for years, though the facility still been used for outpatient and rehab services.

They said workers at the site restored multiple floors, including installing 30 miles of electrical cable and 30,000 square feet of flooring.

Murphy thanked Semonite and the team for the hard work. 

“We could not do this without you,” he told workers gathered outside the East Orange building. “We’re not through this yet. We have a long way to go. But you see something like this, and you realize: We’re in this together. We are making the progress we need to make. And we will get there together.”

Meanwhile, the site at New Bridge — New Jersey’s largest hospital — has long been a gym. But workers converted it, adding new air and HVAC systems, new flooring, and a nursing station set up with white blocks that connect like Legos.

“Kids would love this,” Murphy said. 

Gottheimer said the new facility shows how federal money is being spent wisely. 

But, he added, “we need more” for the state, counties, and municipalities.

  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at East Orange Hospital in East Orange, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at East Orange Hospital in East Orange, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at East Orange Hospital in East Orange, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at East Orange Hospital in East Orange, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at East Orange Hospital in East Orange, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at East Orange Hospital in East Orange, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
Press pool photos by: Michael Karas, northjersey.com
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at New Bridge Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at New Bridge Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at New Bridge Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at New Bridge Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at New Bridge Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy acknowledges healthcare workers as he visits an alternate care facility at New Bridge Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
  • NJ Governor Phil Murphy visits an alternate care facility at New Bridge Bergen Medical Center in Paramus, NJ on Wednesday April 22, 2020.
Press pool photos by: Michael Karas, northjersey.com
Mercer County, Trenton

Governor Murphy Announces Actions to Require Reporting of COVID-19 Demographic Data

April 22, 2020

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed legislation (S2357) which will require hospitals to report demographic data to the Department of Health. In conjunction with this signing, the COVID-19 Information Hub has been updated with preliminary racial data that has already been collected.

“Understanding the impact of COVID-19 by demographic group is critical to ensure equity in our response to this virus,” said Governor Murphy. “We must do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable groups in our state during this unprecedented crisis. This data will inform our efforts and allow us to make sure that no one is left behind.”

S2357 requires hospitals to report demographic data including age, ethnicity, gender, and race of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, who have died from COVID-19, and who have tried to get testing but have been turned away.

Primary sponsors of S2357 include Senators Ronald Rice, Nia Gill, Kristin Corrado, and Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Nancy Pinkin.

“Our country has an incredibly poor history of health care when it comes to the treatment of minorities, especially in the Black community,” said Senator Ronald Rice. “If hospitals have limited funding and decide to pull resources away from sick minorities, this causes all sorts of problems. Collecting and then receiving this data will allow for us to know which hospitals need more funding and resources in order to properly care for our minority populations.”

“Without racial demographic data we will have no way to identify and address ongoing disparities and health inequities that risk accelerating the spread of COVID-19,” said Senator Nia Gill. “Inequalities in treatment and diagnosis can have significant and severe impacts on minorities who are already at a higher risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. In order to address these disparities, we must have data on who is being tested, who is being treated, and what the treatment outcomes are.”

“Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on our state and the nation, appearing to disproportionately impact men and the African-American community,” said Senator Kristin Corrado. “The more demographic information we can gather from our hospitals on infections, the better we can identify, react, study, and prevent new COVID-19 cases in vulnerable populations. Arming our health commissioner with data and case statistics can help match medical care to those at greater risk.”

“Decades of systemic poverty, lack of sufficient healthcare and chronic unemployment in our communities, especially black communities, lends to the increased risk of coronavirus hitting residents living below the poverty line harder than others. Those with underlying conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and other medical conditions are more susceptible to the virus, which are conditions that are very prevalent in communities of color,” Assembly sponsors Benjie Wimberly, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Nancy Pinkin said in a joint statement. “We can’t gauge an appropriate response without knowing the numbers. Requiring hospitals to compile demographic data will help us zero in on the communities who have suffered the most during this pandemic and to figure out what must be done to protect them as we continue to fight COVID-19.” U.S. Senator Cory Booker recently introduced legislation that would require the federal government to collect and report demographic data on COVID-19 cases, including data on race and ethnicity.

“We have a solemn obligation to protect every New Jerseyan from the coronavirus. This means we can’t leave anyone behind,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “Deep-seated health disparities faced by communities of color in New Jersey and across our nation have been magnified and exacerbated by this public health crisis. The collection of this critical data here in New Jersey will help us better understand the scope of health disparities related to COVID-19 so together we can act to end them. I applaud Governor Murphy and the bill sponsors in the New Jersey Legislature for their leadership through this crisis, and their continued efforts to protect every New Jerseyan, including our most vulnerable.”

Press Pool Photo: Kevin Sanders NJ Globe
Burlington, New Hanover, Wrightstown

Blue Angels and Thunderbird Combined Fly-By Event Is In “Planning Stage” – Will Not Be Today

April 22, 2020

See Updated Story Here on President Trump’s announcement of “Operation America Strong”

Update: Still getting several messages about this event, asking questions when and times, we don’t know if or when.

See the note from official Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Facebook Page below they say it is in “planning” so that means it could happen it might not happen and one thing for sure it is NOT happening today. This is all we know.


“Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst The Blue Angels / Thunderbird flight in this region is still in planning phases. Each of the demo teams and our base Facebook page will release the information at the appropriate time. It’s not happening today. Thanks for reaching out.“

If I do find out I will make sure to post again on Midjersey.news I suggest you follow the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst they will post 24 to 48 hours prior to event plus make other notifications prior to any event of that size.

NEW HANOVER TOWNSHIP-WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)–A copy of a draft of a Philadelphia Air Traffic Control ATC “Procedures Bulletin” was wildly circulated over Facebook and other social media yesterday creating a social media buzz.

According to the draft bulletin the fly by was supposed to be today. Official sources at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst said today that the event is still in the planning stages and would not be today.

“Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst The Blue Angels / Thunderbird flight in this region is still in planning phases. Each of the demo teams and our base Facebook page will release the information at the appropriate time. It’s not happening today. Thanks for reaching out.“

In the leaked “draft bulletin” the flight will be from Joint Base McGuire to Trenton then make its way down the Delaware toward Philadelphia. It would fly over several Philadelphia landmarks then back to the river and then end in the Wilmington, Delaware area. (Note that the “draft bulletin” has no official address or contact on the letterhead)

What the fly over may look like from the Thunderbirds Facebook Page:


USAF Thunderbirds Facebook Photo
A copy of a draft of a Philadelphia Air Traffic Control ATC “Procedures Bulletin” was wildly circulated over Facebook and other social media yesterday. This “bulletin” origin can not be confirmed since there is not official address or contact information. It also has the word DRAFT across it. So it could be something that is being worked on. This may or not be legit but it is posted here to show what has been circulated over social media.
US Navy Blue Angels Facebook Page is quiet about the event but USAF Thunderbirds Facebook shows that it has been done in Colorado already.
East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Mercer County, Pennington, Princeton, Robbinsville, Trenton, West Windsor

Mosquito Spraying In Mercer County Today

April 22, 2020

See Mercer County DOT Notice Here

Aerial Mosquito Larviciding Notice 

When: (Wednesday) April 22, 2020, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. (weather permitting)

Mercer County Mosquito Control will be treating larval mosquito habitats throughout the county by way of helicopter. Due to their large size and inaccessibility by ground vehicles, these larval habitats are routinely treated with a helicopter when mosquitoes are present in the standing water. You may see our helicopter flying near residential areas, positioning the helicopter to approach nearby areas of standing water targeted for treatment.

***PLEASE NOTE***

THIS IS NOT an area-wide Adulticiding “MOSQUITO SPRAYING” activity. 

Aerial larviciding includes the use of target-specific, biorational granules only released directly above standing water to help prevent larval mosquitoes from developing into biting adult mosquitoes.

Adulticide applications (spraying) are conducted when biting adult mosquito populations exceed public health or nuisance thresholds. These applications are conducted via truck-mounted, ultra-low-volume (ULV) cold aerosol sprayers during late evening or early morning hours. Mercer County applies products (adulticides) recommended by Rutgers University  for mosquito control in New Jersey, and a complete list with accompanying labels and MSDS sheets can be found here. Specific street addresses are not published, but adulticide applications are conducted on an area-wide basis and targets where adult mosquito populations may be concentrated during application times. For further questions or information, please browse our website or call/email directly. The office maintains no regular “spraying schedule” or “spraying list.” These applications are only conducted when deemed absolutely necessary, and under the appropriate environmental conditions, in order to bring mosquito populations to tolerable levels or to ward off potential mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.