WATCH: American Dream Mall Evacuated Friday Due to Bomb Threat

NEW JERSEY (VINnews) — Officials evacuated the American Dream Mall Friday morning due to a reported bomb threat, according to Governor Phil Murphy.

At 8:52 am Murphy tweeted: “The @NJSP is investigating a bomb threat at the American Dream Mall. If you’re on site, all customers, tenants, and employees should follow guidance from law enforcement and walk to the nearest exit and safely evacuate the building out of an abundance of caution.”

The @NJSP is investigating a bomb threat at the American Dream Mall.

If you’re on site, all customers, tenants, and employees should follow guidance from law enforcement and walk to the nearest exit and safely evacuate the building out of an abundance of caution.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) November 24, 2023

Everyone in the mall, including throngs of Black Friday shoppers, were asked to evacuate before 8:30 a.m. They were told not to use elevators. Just after 9:15 a.m. an updated alert was sent to cellphones saying that the situation was resolved and the facility was safe.

“We all had to run and scatter for our lives before we know what’s going on and hopefully nobody gets hurt and everybody is safe and I’m here by my car and I plan to go back in once the coast is clear, but it’s sad this is how we have to live our life,” shopper Annette Freedman said.

American Dream said in a statement it was “a non credible threat” and the evacuation was “out of an abundance of caution.”

“American Dream was evacuated this morning following what was later deemed a non-credible threat,” the statement said. “This was done out of an abundance of caution, as the safety of our employees and guests is and will always be our priority. The center has already re-opened. We look forward to a joyous and safe holiday season.