Councilwoman DeGise Reports Death Threats, Online Harassment to JC Police Department

JCPD Investigating Potentially Credible Threats of Violence

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Councilwoman Amy DeGise has filed an official report with the Jersey City Police Department about the numerous death threats and vile pieces of online harassment that she has received in recent days. The death threats were made by email and on social media and include messages telling her to “drop dead,” saying she “needs a bullet in the head,” saying she should be “shot on sight,” calling her a “stupid ugly bitch,” saying “you fucking whore, death is near,” saying “don’t you realize you live within arms reach of MANY violent gang members, you actualy think your not going to receive retaliation???” and many other disturbing comments. Screenshots of several messages are attached, and the harassment also includes numerous vulgar telephone calls to Councilwoman DeGise’s employer, which is a local public school.

“Like many other women in the public eye, Councilwoman DeGise has been the victim of online harassment in the form of incredibly disturbing threats of violence and even death threats in recent days,” said DeGise spokesman Phil Swibinski. “It is reprehensible for anyone to make these kinds of direct threats of violence and we hope that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This situation has created strong feelings in many people, but no one should condone these kinds of violent threats and this should be a reminder to everyone to tone down the rhetoric and refrain from inflammatory actions that could have real world consequences.”

Councilwoman DeGise reported the threats to the JCPD on Monday by phone and two officers were dispatched to her home to take a statement and screenshots of the harassing messages. Since then she has continued to be in touch with officers assigned to the case and an investigation has begun to ascertain the origin of the messages and determine whether criminal charges are appropriate. Depending on the results of the investigation, Councilwoman DeGise may be entitled to police monitoring or other standard procedures to ensure her safety.