In Marlboro, New Jersey, school board member and mother of three, Danielle Bellomo, says she was shocked to learn that a group chat involving local candidates and school officials targeted her with violent and degrading messages. Among the texts revealed were threats to let her “die by herself” and other comments suggesting they “couldn’t wait” for her death.
The chat also included insults about her appearance posted during a board meeting, prompting one candidate to withdraw from the upcoming election. Although local police considered charges for harassment and threats, the county prosecutor ultimately declined to file indictments.
Bellomo says her family has been deeply affected; her children now worry each time she leaves for a meeting and the work she once enjoyed has become a source of fear. Despite the hostile environment, she remains committed to continuing her service on the school board and pushing for greater protections for public-servants at the local level.