A senior law enforcement official says the attack is now being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Who Are Jersey City Shootout Suspects?
Three sources say Anderson was a one-time follower of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, a group whose members believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites and may adhere to both Christian and Judaic beliefs. The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled the Hebrew Israelites a black supremacist group. Some sects within the movement are known for their fierce condemnations of white and Jewish people.
There was a note with religious writings in the U-Haul he and Graham allegedly drove to the scene, which is believed to have been written by Anderson. In summary, the note is believed to have said along the lines of "I do this because my creator makes me do this, and I hate who He hates."
However, officials say a motive — including any alleged nexus to hate or terror — remains under active investigation.
Top law enforcement leaders from varying levels of New Jersey government said Wednesday afternoon that a "pipe bomb," along with multiple other weapons, were recovered at the scene.
