The second-in-command at the New Jersey State Police is in trouble after allegedly referring to New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin as “that Jew,” according to a New York Post report and others with direct knowledge of the incident contacted by the New Jersey Globe.
Lt. Col. Sean Kilcomons is accused of ordering a state police helicopter to remain in the air so that Platkin’s young son, who had accompanied his Dad to a “Bring Your Child To Work Day” event at the Department of Law and Public Safety in April, wouldn’t be able to see inside it.
“I don’t want that Jew’s kid in the State Police helicopter,” the Post quoted Kilcomons as allegedly saying. They referred to a report filed with the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability.
According to the Post, Kilcomons told the helicopter to remain in the air until after Platkin’s departure.
“Tell him not to land,” Kilcomons allegedly stated, the Post said, citing the OPIA report.
Other children who accompanied their parent to work, including police officers, were either denied the promised chance to see the inside of a chopper, or had to wait until Platkin left.
Gov. Phil Murphy said today that he is taking the matter seriously.
“Antisemitism of any kind has no place in our society. The alleged comment about Attorney General Platkin and his son, if true, is abhorrent and contrary to the values of the New Jersey State Police and my entire administration,” Murphy said. “Because an investigation is underway, I will not comment further on this matter until the investigation is complete.”
Platkin issued a statement this morning saying he had seen news reports about Kilcommon’s statements but noted that he had recused himself from the probe.
“This conduct, if substantiated, has no place in law enforcement or anywhere in our society,” Platkin said. “But I want to make clear that we must never tolerate antisemitism or bias of any kind. Too often, those in leadership feel comfortable dismissing or ignoring allegations of bias, particularly when the perpetrators hold positions of power.”
He added, “When allegations of bias are met with silence or, worse, reflexively defended by people in power, rather than seriously and swiftly investigated, it sends a clear message to all victims who might consider coming forward: don’t bother.”
There have been other allegations of racist remarks made by Kilcommons, the New Jersey Globe has learned, but moves to discipline or fire him have been rebuffed by State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan, a close ally. Callahan has faced criticism for jumping Kilcommons ahead of others for promotions.
The State Police have faced a series of challenges in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, the NAACP New Jersey State Conference called for Callahan’s ouster after a scathing report initiated by Platkin’s successor highlighted discriminatory hiring practices and found internal affairs investigations were weaponized against some troopers.
Platkin has recommended policy reforms.
Last week, a former trooper was sentenced to probation for punching a woman in the face while holding a metal flashlight while she was handcuffed in the back of a police vehicle.
For Platkin, the Kilcomons incident has caused him to double down.
“I have been called many names in my life, including quite a few anti-Semitic slurs. While I do not obsess over these attacks, I also do not ignore them,” he said. “Rather than shrug them off, these experiences drive me to redouble my efforts to root out bias and hate of any kind.”
“And while I am disappointed to learn that a law enforcement leader might have chosen to use his position and the privilege of his authority to hurt my son, whom I love more than anything, I will be distraught if we allow him — and millions of kids like him — to grow up in a society where attacking someone for who they are or how they worship is accepted or condoned,” stated Platkin.
Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop said that “bigots don’t belong in law enforcement.”
“Sadly, this is a reminder that anti-Semitism has become more and more prevalent, and it needs to be met with fierce pushback every time we see it.” stated Fulop. “If the allegations are true, termination should follow as there is no place for this type of individual who has a career based on the public trust and I do feel when an officer is terminated for an action counter to his the public trust the officer’s pension should be considered for termination as well and that is what should happen here if true
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said the “allegations are concerning ” and said he was “confident they will receive the appropriate review.”
“This incident is indicative of a deeply rooted culture within the state police that must be addressed,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a candidate for governor. “Such an anti-Semitic comment should be offensive to everyone, and we must demand immediate and sustained action against the individual responsible, as well as against the culture that permits such attitudes to persist.”
Former Senate President Steve Sweeney, also a gubernatorial candidate, said that “if substantiated, immediate and swift action should be taken.”
“This language represents a bias that cannot exist amongst those entrusted with law enforcement,” he said.
Rep. Andy Kim, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, said that the allegations needs to be investigated fully and immediately, and if confirmed, appropriate actions of accountability must be taken.”
“As we continue to see a rise of anti-Semitic acts here at home and across the country, it is imperative that we call out those actions and hold those accountable whenever possible,’ said Kim. “If confirmed true, the comments made are wildly offensive, wrong and completely unacceptable.”
Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, a Democratic gubernatorial contender, said that there “is no place for hate in New Jersey or in our democracy.”
“I am appalled by the alleged antisemitic remarks of Lt. Colonel Kilcomons regarding Attorney General Platkin and his family,” Spiller stated. “We must collectively reject bigotry, antisemitism, and any form of hate. I have a deep respect for law enforcement in our state, but they cannot allow this among leadership or the rank and file. Those who espouse hate must be held accountable.”
Rep. Mikie Sherrill said that “with these reports of disgusting antisemitic comments, Lt. Col. Kilcomons has lost the public trust.”
“His complete lack of judgment and the fact that he sought to punish Attorney General Platkin’s five-year-old son is further proof that he should not be in any position of power. Our State Troopers take great pride in serving the people of New Jersey,” said Sherrill. “If these reports are substantiated by the investigation, Lt. Col. Kilcomons is unfit to wear the uniform.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer said that the “allegations are alarming and must be investigated without delay.”
“I have no patience for hate or antisemitism in any form, and we must call it out whenever and wherever we see it,” stated Gottheimer. “The fact that it involves a young child is even more egregious. All parties must be held accountable, especially when it involves the public trust.”