The second-in-command at the New Jersey State Police allegedly made an antisemitic comment about the state’s Attorney General Matt Platkin and his young son during the annual “Bring Your Child to Work Day” event this year, the NY Post reported.
According to a complaint filed with the Attorney General’s Public Integrity and Accountability Unit, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Kilcomons, second-in-command of the State Police, referred to Platkin as “that Jew” and issued instructions to keep a helicopter airborne so that Platkin’s son would not have a chance to see it up close.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 25, when families of law enforcement officials were invited to the State Police headquarters, where children had the chance to view trooper equipment, police horses, and a helicopter display. The complaint claims Kilcomons instructed the helicopter to stay in the air until Platkin and his child left, allegedly saying, “Tell him not to land.”
While the state attorney general’s office confirmed awareness of the report, it declined to comment further, citing policy on confidentiality in investigations.
Allegations against Kilcomons and other State Police leaders were filed anonymously, reportedly out of concern for retaliation. However, sources indicate the complaint likely came from a fellow state trooper, as it contained details only known to insiders, the NY Post said.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Platkin and Kilcomons, who have reportedly clashed since Platkin’s appointment by Governor Phil Murphy in 2022. Recent investigative reports by the attorney general’s office have pointed to systemic issues within the State Police, including claims of racial discrimination and misuse of internal affairs.
The NAACP and other activists have now called on Governor Murphy to remove both Kilcomons and State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan, questioning their ability to implement needed reforms.
While some members of New Jersey’s Jewish community have condemned Kilcomons’ alleged comments, others have spoken in his defense. Marc Zislin, president of the New Jersey-based Jewish Troopers Association, expressed support for Kilcomons, calling him a “steadfast supporter” of the Jewish community.
“I have seen the public reports of allegations regarding conduct of Lt. Colonel Sean Kilcomons,” AG Platkin said in a statement. “This conduct, if substantiated, has no place in law enforcement or anywhere in our society. I have recused myself from the investigation into those allegations and I will reserve judgment until that investigation is complete.
“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. 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.
“I have been called many names in my life, including quite a few antisemitic slurs. While I do not obsess over these attacks, I also do not ignore them. 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.”