Mayor of Clark condemns threatening, racist letter targeting Somali family
People all around Clark received what many view as a racist and threatening letter in their mailboxes on Monday. The anonymous letter targeted one family along Alice Lane for being Somali.
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An anonymous letter, which many deem racist and offensive, was mailed to homes around Clark.
It’s a letter that targets a family along Alice Lane for their ethnic background. And it’s serious enough that police are now looking into the matter.
The letter reads, “Warning, it has come to our attention that the residents at [a home on] Alice Lane are 'Somali' in heritage. This means they do not live or support the American way of life and would want to change it! If trouble begins within our borders, your first return attack should be there…”
It was postmarked, Americans for Safety-New Jersey.
It angered one neighbor in particular on Alice Lane. Gail Sweeney spoke out against it at a recent Township Council meeting.
“This type of racism and hatred is obviously horrifically dangerous to the affected family and subverts all moral decency," said Sweeney.
Sweeney then called out the council.
“What about you?! Are you horrified? Do you accept responsibility for fostering an environment where someone feels emboldened to threaten fellow townspeople?," asked Sweeney.
Mayor Angel Albanese and Councilman Bill Smith both questioned Sweeney’s implication that someone on the council sent the letter.
“I don’t know why you appear to be addressing that as if the individuals on the podium sent you that letter," said Albanese. “I’ve been advised that it’s under investigation. Many people received the letter. I myself received that letter as well. I do not know where it came from."
News 12 received a statement from the mayor on Friday.
“The Township of Clark strongly condemns the hateful and threatening anonymous letter mailed to residents in our community. No one should be targeted because of their heritage or background. This behavior is unacceptable and has no place in Clark. We recognize the fear and concern this letter has caused, particularly for the residents
targeted. We stand with those affected and thank the residents who came forward. Everyone who calls Clark home deserves to feel safe and welcome."
News 12 attempted to speak with the family on Alice Lane being targeted, but they weren’t home and have yet to return a request to call. Some neighbors tell News 12 that the family isn’t even Somali.
News 12 has also reached out to Clark police to see if they have an idea as to who sent this letter and if this person would face criminal charges.
