US Citizen Arrested for Attempted Firebombing Attack on Embassy in Israel
By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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FBI special agents on Sunday arrested dual U.S.-German citizen Joseph Neumayer at JFK International Airport in New York in connection with an attempt to destroy the Branch Office of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a Sunday press release.
Why It Matters
Tensions remain high following the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members who were shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., last week.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the suspect "a vile antisemitic murderer," and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called him "depraved" for his act.
This occurs as Israel has launched a new campaign in Gaza targeting the Palestinian militant group Hamas, reigniting tensions across the Middle East. Israel's campaign in Gaza since Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, the Associated Press reported, citing local health authorities. In Hamas' attack on Israel, 1,200 people were killed and some 250 were taken hostage.
What To Know
According to a complaint unsealed in the Eastern District of New York, Neumayer is alleged to have left a dark-colored backpack next to the embassy building on May 19, having arrived in Israel in April. He was initially arrested in Israel and transferred to U.S. custody on Sunday.
"This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump's life," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. "The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law."
Neumeyer is alleged to have spit on a security guard as he walked past, left a backpack, and fled as the security guard failed to detain him. Inside the backpack, authorities discovered three Molotov cocktails, which contained flammable fluid.
Authorities tracked Neumeyer to his hotel where he was arrested.
Neumeyer's social media revealed that earlier on May 19, he posted, "join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f--k the west."
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Other social media posts from an account believed to be used by Neumeyer revealed his threats to assassinate President Donald Trump, the DOJ wrote in its press release.
If convicted, Neumeyer faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine in the amount of $250,000.
American Embassy Office Tel Aviv
U.S. Embassy Branch Office on HaYarkon Street in Tel Aviv, the former building of the embassy of the USA in Israel since its relocation to the Jerusalem in May 2018. Getty Images, Stock Photo
What People Are Saying
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a press release: "The defendant is charged with attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy and making threats to President Trump. This despicable and violent behavior will not be tolerated at home or abroad, and the FBI, working with our partners, will bring him to face justice for his dangerous actions."
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York said in a press release: "As alleged, Neumeyer, armed with potentially lethal devices, sought to cause chaos and destruction at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. His arrest and prosecution clearly show that my Office and the Department of Justice will not tolerate violence in our homeland or violence targeting U.S. interests abroad."
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a press release posted on X: "As alleged, on May 19, Neumeyer's hateful speech turned into violent actions. Attacks that target Americans will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, whether they occur at home or on foreign soil. I am grateful to our Israeli law enforcement partners, whose actions ensured that no lives were lost and whose cooperation will permit Neumeyer to face justice here in the United States."
He added: "This Department of Justice will not tolerate those who stoke hate, perpetrate violence, or threaten the president of the United States."
What Happens Next?
Neumeyer will face charges in court for his alleged actions: Acting Deputy Chief Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Oken for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Ryan White of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section, according to the DOJ press release.
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