American Citizen Arrested For Alleged Planned Attack On U.S. Embassy Office In Israel, Justice Department Announces

Go to Article

The Justice Department announced the arrest of a U.S. citizen for allegedly attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy Office in Tel Aviv, Israel.

“Joseph Neumeyer, a dual U.S. and German citizen was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport by FBI special agents and a complaint was unsealed in the Eastern District of New York charging Neumeyer with attempting to destroy, by means of fire or explosive, the Branch Office of the United States Embassy located in Tel Aviv, Israel,” the Justice Department stated.

“Neumeyer was deported by Israeli authorities to the United States. Neumeyer made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo of the Eastern District of New York and was ordered detained,” it added.

From the Justice Department:

As alleged in the complaint, Neumeyer arrived in Israel in April 2025. On May 19, Neumeyer, 28, arrived outside of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv carrying a dark-colored backpack. Without provocation Neumeyer spit on an Embassy guard as he walked past. Neumeyer managed to break free as the guard attempted to detain him, leaving behind his backpack. A search of Neumeyer’s backpack revealed three rudimentary improvised incendiary devices commonly known as Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement tracked Neumeyer to his hotel, where he was arrested. Neumeyer’s social media revealed that earlier in the day 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.” Law enforcement authorities confirmed the presence of flammable fluid in the devices. Other social media posts from an account believed to be used by Neumeyer revealed his threats to assassinate President Trump. On May 25, Israeli authorities returned Neumeyer to the United States.

“This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”

“The defendant is charged with attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy and making threats to President Trump,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

“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,” he added.

Per NBC News:

It wasn’t clear if Neumeyer has retained a lawyer. Representatives of the Federal Defenders of New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday night.

Neumeyer claims in his social media profiles, verified by NBC News, that he is the founder and CEO of a company called Atlas Light Co. It was not immediately clear what the company does, and Neumeyer claims to have founded a number of startups.

Recent postings on Facebook suggest discontent with the West, specifically with the U.S. and Trump.

Neumeyer arrived in Israel last month but didn’t head to the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv until May 19, the Justice Department said. It was not clear where in the country he was staying or what he was doing there prior to last week.

WATCH:



Comment on this Article Via Your Disqus Account