I commend the outstanding work of the first responders and police of Seaside, Elizabeth, and Union County in their handling of the incidents this past weekend involving explosive devices. I also commend the work of New York City's responders and law enforcement in their response to the bombing in New York's Chelsea neighborhood. I ask that we keep those injured in our prayers, including the 29 wounded in the New York attack and the two officers injured in Linden this morning during the apprehension of a suspect.  

I am grateful that no one was killed, and that injuries from these attacks were not more extensive. It is important that we not allow these or any other acts of terror to intimidate us or cause us to become people driven by fear and hatred.  This is precisely the intention of such actions.  Allowing fear to dominate our actions wounds us far greater than any physical strike against us. We are called to be people of faith, believing in the love of Jesus Christ, living lives marked by compassion, striving for justice and peace among all people.