NJOHSP Shares 2026 Threat Assessment as State Prepares for Major Events

HAMILTON, NJ – The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) released its 2026 Threat Assessment, delivering a detailed snapshot of New Jersey’s threat environment for the year ahead.

Now in its 18th edition, the report highlights emerging counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity threats and trends, providing a critical resource that helps public- and private-sector stakeholders and the public stay informed and prepared.

“Security is strongest when it’s informed, coordinated, and strategic,” said NJOHSP Director Thomas Hauck. “Our assessment provides a clear picture of the threat environment, sharpens situational awareness, and helps focus resources where they matter most. Working closely with our communities and partners, we can turn potential threats into opportunities to strengthen security and resilience—helping keep residents and visitors safe and supporting a secure, thriving New Jersey.”

This year’s report reflects a more integrated, comprehensive approach—grounded in Executive Order No. 404, signed in 2025—and aligned with NJOHSP’s mission to safeguard the state through foresight, integrity, and a unified purpose. Key findings include:

• Counterterrorism: Homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) and white racially motivated extremists (WRMEs) continue to pose the highest threat to New Jersey. HVEs in the U.S. are primarily influenced by foreign terrorist organizations, including HAMAS and ISIS; however, these groups currently present a low direct threat due to limited capability to conduct attacks on U.S. soil. WRMEs leverage online platforms to disseminate extremist messaging and encourage actions aligned with their ideologies. An analysis of extremist propaganda in New Jersey from 2019 to 2025 indicates a continued effort to advance these beliefs. Major events, such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and Sail4th 250, face a heightened threat environment due to the potential for disruptive or criminal activity—including physical assaults and property damage—as demonstrated by recent attacks, disrupted plots, and extremist propaganda.
• Counterintelligence: Hostile foreign intelligence activity poses a threat to New Jersey’s critical infrastructure through cyber intrusions, espionage, and theft in pursuit of economic and military advantage over the U.S. New Jersey’s strategic location and its concentration of critical infrastructure, technological industries, financial institutions, and academic centers increase its vulnerability. Notably, China, Russia, and Iran continue to engage in activities aimed at compromising U.S. economic and national security, utilizing tactics such as stealing proprietary information, infiltrating U.S. networks, and conducting operations to monitor and pressure expatriates in New Jersey to return to their home countries for prosecution.
• Cybersecurity: The volume and impact of cyberattacks targeting New Jersey’s public and private sectors, critical infrastructure, and residents are expected to increase in 2026. These attacks are anticipated to be operationally disruptive and costly, posing significant risks to public health, the safety and welfare of residents, the state’s economy, public interests, and national security. The 2026 threat landscape will present significant challenges due to nation-state threats, cybercrime, and emerging trends such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven attacks, including the advent of agentic AI that enables threat actors to use sophisticated reasoning models to plan and carry out attacks faster and more efficiently than humans can defend against them. Addressing these threats will require sustained investment, collaboration, and vigilance at the State and local levels, particularly amid systemic vulnerabilities and reduced federal support.

NJOHSP encourages residents, businesses, and partners to review the full report and remain vigilant throughout 2026. As part of the “See Something, Say Something” campaign, anyone who observes suspicious activity that may be connected to terrorism, targeted violence, counterintelligence threats, or other concerning behavior is urged to immediately report it to local law enforcement or to NJOHSP’s Counter-Threat Watch Unit by calling 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ or emailing tips@njohsp.gov.

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