NEWARK, N.J. — Alina Habba, the newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, issued a strong warning Monday evening, stating that any violence against law enforcement officers in the state will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of federal law.
“Today I have instructed my team that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated in the great State of New Jersey. I don’t care how old you are. You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent under Federal law,” Habba posted on X at 6:34 p.m.
Habba’s comments appear to be a direct warning to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin. Under their juvenile justice reform policies, youth offenders faced less severe penalties for violent crimes, including those against police officers.
As interim U.S. Attorney, Habba oversees approximately 150 assistant U.S. attorneys and holds authority to set prosecutorial priorities statewide. Her appointment by President Donald Trump followed earlier public remarks in which she promised to fight crime in major urban centers and “clean up” the state.
During those remarks she mentioned Governor Phil Murphy and U.S. Senator Cory Booker by name.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not yet released further comment or supporting details about the context of the statement.
Key Points
- Alina Habba, sworn in as interim U.S. Attorney on March 28, declared zero tolerance for violence against police.
- Her March 31 post vows full federal prosecution regardless of the offender’s age.
- The directive reinforces her public commitment to combating crime and restoring order in New Jersey.
