A high-ranking New Jersey State Police trooper, accused of making an antisemitic remark at a children’s event last year, will leave the force by the end of the month, the New York Post reported.
Citing sources, The Post said Lt. Col. Sean Kilcomons is set to retire alongside state police Superintendent Patrick Callahan as Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill prepares to take office in January.
Kilcomons faced backlash after an internal complaint accused him of making an offensive remark about Attorney General Matt Platkin during a “Bring Your Child to Work Day” event on April 25, 2024.
According to the complaint filed with the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, Kilcomons allegedly said he did not want Platkin’s child inside a State Police helicopter.
Kilcomons allegedly referred to Platkin as “that Jew” and directed a department helicopter to remain in the air so Platkin’s young son couldn’t look inside, according to previous reporting.
The Attorney General’s Office continues to investigate the complaint, according to The Post.
A spokesperson for New Jersey State Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Callahan announced Monday that he would step down and would not be renominated by the incoming administration, according to a statement from Gov. Phil Murphy’s office.
In a social media post, Sherrill praised Callahan’s service and wished him well in retirement.
“His dedication to public service is commendable and I wish him and his family well as they embark upon their next chapter,” Sherrill said on X.
The departures come amid ongoing scrutiny of the State Police.
Two reports released last year by the Attorney General’s Office cited systemic problems within the agency, including allegations of discrimination and misuse of internal affairs investigations.
The agency is also facing a misconduct investigation related to a reported slowdown in traffic enforcement after a report found racial disparities in traffic stops.
The New York Times reported the slowdown lasted from July 2023 through March 2024, citing court records and people familiar with the matter.
A supervisors’ union argued in court filings that the report caused troopers to fear routine stops could be unconstitutional, while a Callahan spokesperson told The Times he did not support reducing enforcement.
