“Everyone Out!” | Bomb Threat Evacuates South Hackensack Church During Sunday Services
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
South Hackensack NJ, In a startling disruption to a day of worship, a bomb threat forced the total evacuation of the North Jersey Vineyard Church in South Hackensack on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The incident, which occurred during a high-traffic transition between services, sent shockwaves through the local community and marked a disturbing “first” for the 25-year-old congregation.
Chaos During the Call to Worship
At approximately 1:00 p.m., as congregants were preparing for the afternoon’s Spanish-speaking service, police officers abruptly entered the building on Phillips Avenue. The order was immediate and non-negotiable: everyone must leave.
Grimaldi Martinez, the pastor overseeing the church’s Spanish services, described the scene as surreal.
“It was a shock,” Martinez told reporters on the scene. “This is the first time the church has experienced a threat of this nature in its 25-year existence, and certainly in my 12 years at the helm.”
Rapid Multi-Agency Response
The threat triggered a massive law enforcement presence in South Hackensack. Because of the nature of the potential danger, local authorities called in specialized units to ensure public safety.
The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit led the sweep of the facility, searching for explosive devices. Support was also provided by officers from several neighboring departments, including:
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Lodi Police Department
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Moonachie Police Department
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Little Ferry Police Department
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South Hackensack Police Department
Community Impact and Safety
While the investigation is ongoing, the incident highlights the increasing need for security vigilance at houses of worship. The North Jersey Vineyard Church has been a staple of the South Hackensack community for over two decades, known for its inclusive atmosphere and dual-language services.
Local residents and church members are currently awaiting further updates from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office regarding the source of the threat and whether any suspicious items were recovered during the sweep.
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Tags: #SouthHackensack #BergenCounty #NorthJerseyNews #ChurchSecurity #BreakingNews #NewJersey #VineyardChurch
