BREAKING NEWS: Sheriff’s Officer Fatal Tragic Fall at Hudson County Courthouse Amid Morning Power Outage

Jersey City, NJ — May 30, 2025 — Morning Edition

A sheriff’s officer has died following a tragic fall through a glass window from one of the upper floors inside the Hudson County Administration Building courthouse this morning. The fatal incident occurred shortly after the building had been closed to the public due to a reported power outage.

According to initial reports, the courthouse experienced a complete loss of electrical power earlier in the morning, prompting officials to evacuate all members of the public from the building. Only law enforcement personnel and essential courthouse staff remained inside at the time of the incident.

Witnesses say the sheriff’s officer fell through a glass pane from an upper floor under still-uncertain circumstances. Fellow officers immediately attempted to render emergency medical aid before EMS personnel arrived. The officer was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on both the circumstances of the fall and the conditions inside the courthouse during the power outage. Investigators are expected to examine whether safety protocols were followed and if the blackout may have contributed to the tragic event.

Adding to the public concern is the lack of immediate response or comment from Undersheriff Ray Vasquez, who oversees courthouse operations and security. His whereabouts at the time of the incident have not been disclosed, raising further questions among county officials and the community.

The courthouse remains closed as authorities continue their investigation and assess the safety and infrastructure of the building.

We are waiting for a call back from Sheriff Frank Schillari with a statement.

UPDATE: Officer Identified in Hudson County Courthouse Tragedy

The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office has identified the officer who tragically lost his life this morning at the Hudson County Courthouse as Justin Rivera, age 29.

Officer Rivera sustained fatal injuries after an accidental fall through a glass window from an upper floor of the courthouse. He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:00 AM.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this time, it is being considered a tragic accident.

Further details will be released as they become available. The law enforcement community mourns the loss of one of its own.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.