'Maskless Shopping Event' In Freehold Prompts NJSP Investigation

FREEHOLD, NJ - The state is investigating an alleged maskless shopping event at Freehold Raceway Mall this weekend, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

Several iterations of the event flyer have circulated the internet in recent days, with at least one version citing the organizers as Patriot Party NJ.

During a Wednesday news conference in Trenton, Murphy noted that the state is aware of the matter and is currently investigating the situation.

“Not only are we aware of this ridiculous flyer that’s gone around about maskless shopping, but I am personally aware of it and extremely unhappy about it,” Murphy said.

As of March 19, retail stores are limited to 50 percent capacity in the state and face masks are mandatory for customers and staff alike. In his remarks, Murphy mentioned that the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and New Jersey Department of Homeland Security is also investigating the matter.

“Our regional operations intelligence center staff in collaboration with [New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness] Director [Jared] Maples's shop, [Monmouth] County Prosecutor's Office, [and] local law enforcement [are] aware of it,” said New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan.

“We have not formulated it but if we did, guidance would probably be two-pronged. It would go not only out to law enforcement but to store owners. Our early initial overview was in a time when businesses had been struggling to put them in a position that they may have to close their doors seemed hard to fathom for us.”

The governor added concerns over mall security staff, noting that Freehold Raceway Mall personnel are not trained police officers.

“They're not law enforcement, and to put them in a position ... and make them be the guy or gal at the door that has to say to some knucklehead who's trying to make a political statement that actually you can't come in," Murphy said. "Therefore, you lose the business and/or you get into a confrontation. That's the last thing we need right now.”

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The Freehold Township Police Department confirmed to Patch that it is aware of the anticipated gathering and have contacted mall security regarding the event.

"From the time the information was posted to social media we have received numerous tips and we thank the community for their attention in this matter," a spokesperson from the police department told Patch. "As a reminder, per Executive Order 163, masks continue to be required in indoor retail establishments."