A dual US-German citizen was arrested in New York on Sunday for allegedly attempting to attack the US embassy in Tel Aviv. Authorities say 28-year-old Joseph Neumayer planned to burn down the diplomatic building using Molotov cocktails.
Neumayer was deported by Israeli officials after they discovered explosive materials in his possession. He landed at John F Kennedy Airport, where US law enforcement immediately took him into custody. The Justice Department confirmed he has since appeared in court and remains in federal detention.
According to federal prosecutors, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April. On 19 May, he approached the US embassy in Tel Aviv with a dark-colored backpack. Surveillance and security guards noted suspicious behavior.
He allegedly spat on an embassy guard and then ran off, leaving behind a bag that contained three Molotov cocktails. These makeshift firebombs are designed to ignite fires upon impact. Police later arrested him at a nearby hotel without further incident.
Officials also revealed Neumayer had posted threatening messages online. On one account, he declared his intention to “burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv.” He also made posts calling for “death to America” and threatened to assassinate US President Donald Trump.
“This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “He threatened death to Americans and to the president’s life.”
If convicted, Neumayer faces up to 20 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are examining the extent of his online activities and possible connections to extremist groups.
The arrest follows a recent violent attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. A gunman killed two people attending a private event. Witnesses reported the shooter yelled “free Palestine” before fleeing. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was later identified as a 30-year-old from Chicago.
In response to rising threats, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem plans to attend a memorial in Israel on Monday for the victims of the DC shooting.
US arrests man for alleged firebomb plot amid heightened global security concerns.
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