Thanks for that...I was getting scared to walk home from work :(

Update: Jersey City police brand text messaged threats 'scare tactic'
by The Jersey Journal
Thursday October 30, 2008, 3:05 PM

"It's like a scare tactic," said Police Lt. Edgar Martinez about the text messages students have reportedly received about possible gang-related violence taking place tonight, the day before Halloween known as Mischief Night.

"School principals have called and we are taking the proper precautions to make sure everyone is safe," Martinez said."We have already added patrols around the city for tonight and tomorrow."

Martinez said the hysteria is partially caused by students forwarding text messages to each other.

He said the police are beefing up patrols on the 4 p.m. to midnight and 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. shifts today and tomorrow by taking cops from the department's special units, avoiding the expense of paying overtime.

"We are trying to track down who sent the email so we can talk to them," he said.

Extra police protection around schools this afternoon because of gang violence rumors
by Michaelangelo Conte/The Jersey Journal
Thursday October 30, 2008, 2:32 PM

Rumors of "Mischief Night" gang violence in the schools have prompted the authorities to beef up security today, officials said.

"There have been rumors around that there were going to be problems -- rumors of gangs in the schools," Jersey City Deputy Superintendent of Schools Frank Dooley told The Jersey Journal this afternoon, adding that so far today there have been no incidents.

"We have safety precautions in place -- extra security, extra police protection," Dooley said. "We are cooperating with the police department and they are sharing information with us and we are sharing information with them."

District officials put more staff members outside the schools at lunch break today in order to "have a greater adult presence," Dooley said, adding that there will be an enhanced police presence at dismissal.

The rumors have also affected private schools with the Journal receiving reports of parents showing up early to take their children home.

In Newark, meanwhile, Gov. Jon S. Corzine plans to be in the stands for a high school game this afternoon after suburban schools refused to play because of drive-by shootings.

The schools changed their minds following pressure and assurances from athletic and government officials.

Roselle will face Newark Central at Untermann Field. The superintendent agreed after getting safety assurances in a conference call with Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo and Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

Newark's school superintendent canceled all athletic events after two people were killed in drive-by shootings on Friday.

Central High and Cranford then refused to play in the city and met at a neutral site on Monday.

My husband tutors a highschool girl that goes to an all girls high school in JC, and apparently they were let out early today because the bloods and/or crips are to kill 35 girls for gang initiation tonight.

Does this happen every year or what? I tried to look it up online but can't find a source.