Law enforcement officials say the deadly attack in Jersey City on Tuesday, which left three civilians, one police officer, and the two suspects dead, is being investigated as an act of domestic terror.
“The evidence points towards acts of hate," said New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal. "I can confirm that we are investigating this matter as potential acts of domestic terrorism fueled both by anti-Semitism and anti-law enforcement beliefs."
The suspects have been identified as 47-year-old David Anderson and 50-year-old Francine Graham. Grewal says a number of social media accounts believed to be used by the pair ‘purport to espouse certain viewpoints.’
U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Craig Carpenito says video footage points to the attack stemming from hate.
“The cowards that took down those innocent victims engaged only the folks in that store and in the law enforcement community," he said. "You can see people walking by, they didn’t engage anyone they were clearly targeting that store. They were clearly targeting the Jersey City Police Department.”
Authorities says there’s evidence the shooters expressed interest in certain hate groups, but believe Anderson and Graham acted alone.