U.S.-German National Detained for Attempted Firebombing at U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv
Attempted Attack on U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv
A 28-year-old man, Joseph Neumayer, was arrested for allegedly attempting to firebomb the U.S. embassy branch in Tel Aviv, Israel, earlier this month. He also made threats against former President Trump, according to federal prosecutors who provided the update on Sunday.
Neumayer, who holds both U.S. and German citizenship, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City by FBI special agents after being deported from Israel. His actions have raised concerns about security measures and diplomatic safety.
The journey began in April when Neumayer traveled to Israel. On May 19, he arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv with a backpack. Allegedly, without any provocation, he spat at an embassy guard and managed to escape as the guard attempted to detain him. He left his backpack behind during the scuffle.
A search of the backpack revealed three Molotov cocktails hidden inside – a discovery that alarmed both local and international authorities. Local law enforcement quickly tracked down Neumayer at his hotel, where he was subsequently arrested.
Investigators uncovered disturbing details: prior to his visit to the embassy, Neumayer had posted incendiary messages on social media. His posts urged others to “join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv,” alongside aggressive slogans like “Death to America, death to Americans.” He also targeted President Trump with threatening messages.
Following these events, Israel deported Neumayer on Sunday. Upon his arrival in New York City, he was charged with attempting to destroy the U.S. Embassy using fire or explosives. If found guilty, Neumayer faces up to 20 years in prison – a stark reminder of the serious consequences of such actions.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the gravity of the situation in a statement: “This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life.” Bondi assured that “The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also condemned Neumayer’s alleged actions as “despicable and violent” and stressed that such behavior “will not be tolerated at home or abroad.” The incident underscores ongoing security challenges faced by embassies worldwide and highlights the importance of vigilance in preventing acts of violence.
The case remains under investigation as authorities piece together more details about Neumayer’s motivations and potential connections. For now, both American and Israeli officials are undoubtedly reviewing security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
