An American citizen was reportedly arrested on Sunday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, facing serious charges related to an alleged plot to firebomb the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Joseph Neumayer, a 28-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Germany, was initially detained in Israel before being deported back to the U.S.
According to federal authorities, Neumayer’s troubles began when he arrived in Israel in April 2025. His first notable encounter with Israeli law enforcement occurred on May 19, when he allegedly spat on an embassy guard while carrying a dark-colored backpack.
As he attempted to flee, he left the backpack behind, which later proved to contain three improvised incendiary devices known as Molotov cocktails.
In a statement from the Department of Justice (DOJ), officials detailed Neumayer’s social media activity leading up to his arrest. On May 19, he reportedly posted inflammatory remarks, including a call to “burn down the embassy” and expressed hostility towards America and its values.
“Death to America, death to Americans, and f*** the west,” he wrote, showcasing a clear intent to incite violence.
The DOJ’s press release noted that the incendiary devices found in Neumayer’s backpack contained flammable fluid, reinforcing the seriousness of the charges against him.
Federal authorities also discovered additional threats against President Trump on social media accounts linked to Neumayer.
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the alleged actions, stating, “This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life.”
She emphasized the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting such threats to the fullest extent of the law.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the details of Neumayer’s arrest, stating that he was taken into custody upon his return to the United States.
Patel remarked on the gravity of the situation, saying, “As alleged, Neumayer, armed with potentially lethal devices, sought to cause chaos and destruction at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.”
If convicted, Neumayer faces significant penalties, including a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, along with a potential fine of $250,000. The case highlights growing concerns about domestic and international security, particularly regarding Americans involved in plots against U.S. interests abroad.
The incident reflects broader anxieties surrounding violence and extremism, raising questions about how individuals can become radicalized and the implications for national security.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent similar threats against American interests globally.
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