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State Launches Criminal Probe After Racist, Pornographic Hack of NJ Election Commission Meeting

The intrusion struck a virtual session vetting media hosts for fall gubernatorial and lieutenant governor debates.

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) was prepared to hear presentations from nine media sponsors vying for three hosting slots: two for debates between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, pictured, and a third between lieutenant governor hopefuls. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, Mike Catalini, file)
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Overview

  • The breach occurred about 10 minutes into the July 24 Zoom meeting convened by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission to select three debate-hosting slots among nine media sponsors.
  • Hackers unleashed alarms, ringtones and explosions before flooding screens with pornographic images, a swastika and a song repeating the N-word, forcing organizers to abruptly end the session.
  • Commission Chair Thomas Prol condemned the incident as “disgusting and abhorrent” and declared it an attack on democracy and the people of New Jersey.
  • Attorney General Matthew Platkin confirmed that the Division of Criminal Justice is leading the investigation and ELEC has urged Governor Phil Murphy to lend additional support.
  • ELEC has rescheduled the host-selection meeting for next Tuesday and intends to implement enhanced cybersecurity safeguards.