Jack Ciattarelli, a candidate for Governor of New Jersey, has said his intention to support law enforcement and address street disturbances such as the recent Secaucus takeover if elected. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
“At a busy intersection in Secaucus, Hudson County, more than 100 vehicles took over, driving recklessly and doing donuts,” said Jack M Ciattarelli. “When I’m Governor, there will be support for law enforcement, this kind of lawlessness will end, and THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES. It’s time.”
On September 1, 2025, over 100 vehicles convened at Secaucus Road and County Avenue in Secaucus, New Jersey, for a street takeover organized via social media. Participants engaged in activities such as performing donuts and burnouts, blocking traffic, and launching fireworks at police cruisers while a crowd of more than 50 people surrounded officers’ vehicles. Police have indicated that multiple charges are expected for reckless driving, disorderly conduct, and property damage. This information was reported by CBS News and NJ.com.
While statewide statistics on street takeovers in New Jersey are not available, the incident in Secaucus involved over 100 vehicles and numerous participants interfering with police operations. Officials have noted an increase in such gatherings, with this being one of the largest documented in recent years. This was reported by NJ.com and NBC New York.
According to NBC New York, New Jersey enforces statutes against reckless driving, obstruction, and fireworks misuse concerning street takeovers. Police are actively investigating those involved in the Secaucus event. In neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania, different strategies are employed; New York uses enhanced traffic enforcement laws and state patrol interventions while Pennsylvania relies more on local law enforcement and public disturbance charges.
Ciattarelli is a Republican from New Jersey who served in the State Assembly from 2011 to 2018. He has run for governor twice before, including in 2021 when he narrowly lost to Phil Murphy. According to Ballotpedia, his policy positions focus on stronger law enforcement measures, lower taxes, and support for small businesses.
