Statements of Support for Attorney General Nominee Gurbir Grewal

Trenton — Governor-elect Phil Murphy today announced the nomination of Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal to the post of Attorney General. The nomination has been met with broad-based support and praise, as evidenced by the statements below.

—

New Jersey State Troopers Associations

The New Jersey State Troopers Associations strongly support the nomination of Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal for Attorney General.  Prosecutor Grewal’s professionalism, record of accomplishments, knowledge and experience bring a highly qualified nominee to lead the Department of Law and Public Safety.  We have complete confidence that Prosecutor Grewal will do a fine job as Attorney General, and stand with Governor-Elect Phil Murphy’s excellent choice for such an important Cabinet post.

Christopher J Burgos                                                     

Pete J Stilianessis                                                            

Richard V Roberts

New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Colligan

 “Our members were first in line to endorse Phil Murphy for governor and were also among his most vocal supporters and hardest workers for his campaign as it progressed,” said Colligan.  “We were proud to support Phil Murphy for governor and we are proud to endorse his nomination of Gurbir Grewal to be New Jersey’s next Attorney General today.  His experience in the U.S Attorney’s Office as a federal prosecutor and his work as Bergen County Prosecutor have made him eminently qualified to be our state’s next Attorney General, and we believe Gurbir Grewal will be a tremendous partner with our 33,000 members state-wide as we work to protect our neighborhoods and keep our streets safe.”

Port Authority Police Benevolent Association President Paul Nunziato

“As we saw in the aftermath of yesterday’s attempted terrorist bombing, law enforcement must work together to keep the people of our region safe. Gurbir Grewal has shown through his work as a federal and county prosecutor that he understands the importance strong partnerships play in reaching that goal. I look forward to working with him as the next New Jersey Attorney General in protecting the residents of New Jersey and New York and ensuring the Port Authority Police have a strong partner in Trenton.”

NJSACOP President Chief Gary Gubbei (Maple Shade Police Department)

The membership of the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police was very pleased to learn that Governor-Elect Murphy intends to nominate Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal as our next Attorney General.  Prosecutor Grewal has earned an exceptionally positive reputation within the state’s law enforcement community for his professionalism, his dedication, and his ability to “get the job done.” Our colleagues in Bergen County regret losing Prosecutor Grewal as their county’s chief law enforcement officer, but unanimously believe that he will be a great asset to our entire State. We wish him great success as he takes on his new challenge, and pledge our full efforts to assist him in every step along the way.

Port Authority Chairman and Former State Senator Kevin O’Toole

“A most impressive way to start the Phil Murphy Administration – a phenomenal and breathtaking first appointment,” said O’Toole. “Prosecutor Grewal has an exceptional resume and life experiences, is a dedicated family man, and he will make a superb Attorney General. As a fellow Asian American, I’m proud of this ceiling-shattering accomplishment, but he is selected because of his professional ability and sheer intellect.”

New York A.G. Eric Schneiderman

 “I am extremely proud to be joined by a new colleague across the river, New Jersey’s newly nominated Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. As a career prosecutor devoted to justice and equality, Gurbir will be a vital partner in our shared efforts to protect our nation’s core ideals. I look forward to working with him on critical issues affecting New Yorkers and New Jerseyans in the years ahead.”

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji

“The Governor-elect’s historic decision to nominate the first Sikh attorney general in the country, and the first South Asian American in New Jersey history, is a reminder to the world that we embrace our diversity in New Jersey and our state is about to gets its mojo back,” said Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, the lone Asian American lawmaker in the General Assembly. “But Gurbir’s nomination is so much bigger than race or religion. Brilliant but humble, fair but firm, and the consummate prosecutor, there is nobody better to implement the Governor-elect’s criminal justice reform agenda.”

State Senator Loretta Weinberg

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to interview Mr. Grewal for this most important position in the new administration. I think it is an excellent nomination and I think he has been a terrific prosecutor in Bergen County.

“When I had the opportunity to interview him for the prosecutor job, I laid out the three areas I think are important to a good prosecutor: The ability to manage a large and diverse workforce, prosecuting “the bad guys,” and reaching out to the variety of communities represented in our diverse state.

“I have seen examples of his excellent ability in all three of these responsibilities. Of course the Office of the Attorney General encompasses the same responsibilities but on a much larger stage.

“We in Bergen County are particularly proud of Prosecutor Grewal and we think Governor-elect Murphy has made an excellent nomination for this most important position in his new cabinet.”

State Senator Paul Sarlo

“I am thrilled with the selection of Prosecutor Grewal to serve as the state’s next attorney general. He has served Bergen County with distinction and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the law.

“He also understands that as the chief law enforcement officer, he has a responsibility to respond to concerns of the community and has done so with success. I have witnessed firsthand his ability to communicate and connect with high school students on the dangers of the opioid epidemic as well as the dangers of gangs. He handled with great sensitivity the Wyckoff Police Department charges of racial bias and his recent interaction with the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department.

“He is an extremely bright and compassionate leader, whose ethics and integrity are above reproach. He is just a ‘great guy’ who has great admiration and support from the 70 police chiefs in Bergen County and every police union in the state. He also will be a national leader when it comes to racial justice and equality.

“It has been my privilege to get to know Gurbir and his family on a personal level and this is indeed as much an honor for his family as it is people of Bergen County. I look forward to supporting his nomination.”

Congressman Josh Gottheimer

“Gurbir Grewal has served Bergen County with distinction and honesty as Bergen County prosecutor, fighting the opioid crisis head-on, keeping our communities safe, and championing our law enforcement officers and first responders. I look forward to having him fighting on the front lines to stop homegrown and ISIS-inspired lone wolf terrorists. It is a testament to Gurbir’s integrity that his work would garner the bipartisan appointments of both Governor Christie in 2013 and Governor-elect Murphy now. While we will be sad to see him go, North Jersey will be immensely proud to have this son of Glen Rock protecting us in Trenton.”

State Senator Bob Gordon

“Prosecutor Grewal is an outstanding selection for attorney general. He is a great attorney, a phenomenal manager, and has made the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office a model for the state. He is respected throughout Bergen County for his intellect and thoughtfulness, and has the experience and expertise to successfully lead the state Office of the Attorney General.

“I’ve been extremely impressed with his work as county prosecutor, including his active outreach to the community on issues such as combating the opioid epidemic and addressing bias crimes. I know he would bring the same level of commitment to these and other issues to the state. I have gotten to know Gurbir and his wife, Amrit, over the years, who are residents of Glen Rock, and could not be happier for their family.”

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco

“Phil Murphy has made an outstanding choice in nominating Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal to serve as New Jersey’s Attorney General. As Attorney General, I know that Prosecutor Grewal will continue to demonstrate the same commitment to public service and the rule of law that he has exemplified throughout his career.

“Two years ago, Gurbir Grewal became my professional colleague when he was appointed to lead the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Today, I am fortunate to count him as a trusted friend. As the chief law enforcement officer of the most populous county in New Jersey, Prosecutor Grewal has been steadfast, thoughtful, and compassionate in his pursuit of justice for the people of Bergen County. I have been grateful for his partnership on behalf of the citizens we serve, especially in our joint effort to address the opioid epidemic.

“On behalf of nearly one million residents of Bergen County, I thank Gurbir Grewal for his dedicated service to our county and its people. It is with great pride that I congratulate my good friend on his nomination to serve the people of New Jersey as our next Attorney General.”

Bergen County Freeholder Chair Tracy Zur

“I applaud governor-elect Murphy for today’s decision to appoint Gurbir Grewal as Attorney General.  In his tenure in Bergen County, Gurbir Grewal has proven himself to be an exemplary prosecutor who commands the respect of the men and women who serve under him as well as our entire community.  As we have tackled some of our greatest challenges, whether it be cyber bullying, the opioid addiction crisis, or incidents of bias and hatred, Gurbir has lead with strength and integrity.  He has shown that one can be understanding and compassionate while still having a steadfast commitment to the law— one of many factors which make him uniquely qualified to serve as our state’s top law enforcement officer.”

State Senator Teresa Ruiz

“I am pleased that Governor-elect Murphy has selected Gurbir Grewal to serve as attorney general, and I am so proud that New Jersey has the opportunity to make history with this nomination. Diversity is one of our state’s greatest attributes, and having individuals with diverse backgrounds in public service only strengthens government and its ability to meet the needs of residents.

“This selection should be celebrated not only for its history-making potential, but also because Mr. Grewal is an extremely qualified candidate whose knowledge and experience make him a phenomenal choice for the position.”

State Senator-elect Vin Gopal

“This is an historic moment for the State of New Jersey. I want to commend the Governor-Elect for nominating someone who is not only eminently qualified, but who will bring a perspective to the office that is diverse and long-overdue,” said Gopal, “I look forward to working alongside Gurbir Grewal, and I have every confidence that he will serve the people of New Jersey well.”

New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association

The New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association (NJMLA) hereby congratulates Gurbir S Grewal (short biography found below) as the nominee for New Jersey Attorney General by Governor Elect Philip (Phil) D Murphy and extol his promise to have qualified people aboard that actually reflect our state’s demographics.  Grewal would be the first Sikh and Asian (South Asian descent) to hold this coveted position if confirmed by the state Senate. He is currently the Bergen County Prosecutor.

The winds of diversity are increasing in the legal and political field as we just saw the first male Sikh mayor to be elected in New Jersey, first female Sikh mayor to be elected in California, first Indian Senator to be elected in NJ’s state system and dozens of other minorities, including African Americans, Arabs, Asians, Hindus, Hispanics, Muslims and Sikhs involved in the legal process at all levels of government in business, law and politics.

Our organization lauds this step in the right direction of choosing a qualified, merit based individual that is of a diverse background to lead the state as the top law enforcement officer. 

President of NJMLA, Ehsan F Chowdhry, stated that “he has had the privilege of meeting with Grewal in the past and is confident that he possesses the attributes to excel in this leadership position and firmly believes that he will treat people fairly and justly. I had the pleasure of presenting him with a public service award on September 15, 2016 during another NJ Diversity Bar’s Gala in my board member capacity.”

Sikh Coalition

Congratulations to Gurbir Grewal, the first Sikh appointed to be Attorney General of New Jersey!

“Sim Singh, Sikh Coalition national advocacy manager, said the milestone should be celebrated. ‘The appointment of Gurbir Grewal is another landmark moment for the Sikh-American community,’ he said. ‘While breaking down barriers for the next generation of Sikh leaders, he is reminding all Americans that diversity is our nation’s greatest strength.

National Sikh Campaign

Congratulations to Gurbir Grewal, the first Sikh state attorney general in American history.

We are extremely proud of Gurbir in New Jersey. His appointment is another major step forward for the Sikh American community and another landmark in modern Sikh American history.

One aim of National Sikh Campaign is to ensure Sikhs in America, now and future generations, can play a larger role in our civic society. With the success of several Sikh’s in public service, we are well on our way to achieving that goal and we hope this election encourages more Sikh Americans to get involved in public service and run for office.

Indian American Impact Project

This is a historic moment for our communities. If confirmed, Grewal will be the first Sikh and Indian American to hold this position in New Jersey’s history, and one of the highest ranking Indian American officials serving in state government today.

This welcome news comes on the heels of the election of Ravi Singh Bhalla as mayor of Hoboken as well as 14 other Indian American candidates on the ballot in New Jersey last month.

On behalf of IMPACT, we congratulate Prosecutor Grewal for this historic nomination and thank Governor-elect Phil Murphy for ensuring his government reflects the full talent and diversity of his state.

Across the country, talented and patriotic Indian Americans are answering the call to service. IMPACT will do its part to help them succeed.

South Asian Bar Association of New York

SABANY congratulates Bergen Country Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal on his appointment as Attorney General of New Jersey — the first Sikh in New Jersey’s and our nation’s history to serve in that role. Gurbir was the 2016 recipient of SABANY’s Litigation Achievement Award (pictured below accepting the award from Samidh Guha), and is a former officer and longstanding supporter and friend of SABANY. Gurbir has dedicated his career to public service and the rule of law, and SABANY joins the entire South Asian American community in wishing him well as he continues to fulfill that commitment at the highest echelons of government.

United Sikhs

“This is a proud moment for civil rights groups and law-makers in New Jersey and the entire country,” said UNITED SIKHS Civil Rights Director, Manwinder Singh. “Gurbir Singh Grewal is the first turban-wearing Sikh Attorney general to be sworn in in the United States. This is a great moment for the community and a victory for the Civil Rights movement in this country. While we’ve recently witnessed an increase in hate crimes, we also see that the people are recognizing the value of upholding human and civil rights, and are making the right decision. We wish all the best to Gurbir in his endeavor to be the top protector and upholder of the law in New Jersey.”

The Sikh religion was founded 500 years ago in Punjab.  The UNITED SIKHS estimates around more than 650,000 people who follow the Sikh faith live in the United States.

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations

“We are encouraged to see that Governor-elect Murphy is embracing the diversity of New Jersey by reflecting that diversity in his staff appointments,” said James Sues, executive director of CAIR-NJ. “His nomination of Gurbir Grewal as the country’s first Sikh-American state attorney general is representative of the governor-elect’s efforts to give all state residents a voice in his government, and he should surely be applauded for that.”

South Asian Bar Association

“The decision to appoint a visible minority as the chief law enforcement officer for New Jersey reflects the diversity of the state and of the US, and is especially important in a time where minorities and immigrants have often felt targeted by law enforcement,” said SABA President Rishi Bagga. “We applaud Governor-elect Murphy in picking a distinguished and qualified member of the South Asian and Sikh American legal community for this pivotal role.  We strongly support Mr. Grewal’s nomination as Attorney General and look forward to working with him on issues of national importance.”

South Asians For America

“We are thrilled by the nomination of Gurbir Grewal for New Jersey’s Attorney General,” said South Asians For America Co-chair Neha Dewan. “We also applaud Governor-elect Phil Murphy for recognizing the great talent within the South Asian community and selecting an intelligent and well-qualified leader like Gurbir who is deeply invested in the community.”

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Asian Pacific America Lawyers Association of New Jersey

“We congratulate Gurbir Grewal on his historic nomination to serve as attorney general of New Jersey,” said Pankit J. Doshi, president of NAPABA. “An accomplished lawyer and public servant, Mr. Grewal has demonstrated his commitment to the community and the skills needed to lead the state’s law enforcement agency. Following the recent xenophobic incidents in New Jersey, his appointment is a reminder that diversity is something we all value. As a member of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, he serves as a role model to attorneys and law students around the nation.”

“This is truly a historic moment,” said Jack Chan, president-elect of APALA-NJ. “APALA-NJ congratulates Prosecutor Grewal on this well-deserved accomplishment, and we applaud Governor-Elect Murphy for making the nomination.”