A dual citizen of the United States and Germany has been apprehended and charged with plotting a firebomb assault on the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, as well as issuing threats against President Donald Trump, federal authorities disclosed today.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Joseph Neumayer, was detained by FBI agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport following his deportation from Israel.
According to The Post Millennial, Neumayer faces charges in the Eastern District of New York for attempting to destroy a U.S. government facility using fire or explosives. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo, who ordered him held without bail.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trumps life. The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.
Neumayer's arrival in Israel in April 2025 set the stage for the events that unfolded on May 19. On that day, he was seen outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv with a dark backpack. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that he spat on an embassy guard before fleeing, leaving behind the backpack.
Security personnel discovered three makeshift incendiary devices, known as Molotov cocktails, inside the bag. A subsequent investigation into Neumayer's social media activity revealed a post from that day declaring, Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f*ck the West. Additional posts contained threats against President Trump.
Israeli authorities acted swiftly, locating Neumayer at a hotel and arresting him without incident. He was deported to the United States on May 25. FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the attempted attack as despicable and violent behavior, asserting, The FBI, working with our partners, will bring him to face justice for his dangerous actions. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella reinforced this stance, stating, 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.
Should Neumayer be found guilty, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, with the potential for up to 20 years in prison, as well as a possible fine of $250,000.
This case underscores the unwavering commitment of U.S. authorities to safeguard national interests and protect American lives both domestically and internationally.
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