A man accused of plotting a firebomb attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv was arrested in New York on Sunday after being deported from Israel, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Joseph Neumeyer, 28, a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, was taken into custody upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Authorities allege he attempted to attack the embassy using Molotov cocktails and had made violent threats online, including statements targeting Americans and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Explosives Found in Abandoned Backpack
Neumeyer arrived in Israel last month and visited the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv last week. According to officials, he confronted a security guard, spat on him, and attempted to flee the scene. During the altercation, he dropped his backpack and escaped.
Upon searching the bag, authorities discovered three Molotov cocktails, improvised explosive devices intended to ignite fires. Neumeyer was later located at his hotel and arrested by Israeli police.
According to the Justice Department, Neumeyer posted a message on social media that read:
“Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f— the West.”
He also allegedly issued an online threat to assassinate Donald Trump.
Neumeyer claims on social media to be the founder and CEO of a company called Atlas Light Company, though its purpose remains unclear. His online presence reportedly included anti-American and anti-Western rhetoric.
Facing Federal Charges and Up to 20 Years in Prison
Neumeyer appeared in federal court in New York on Sunday and remains in custody. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
“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.
FBI Director Kash Patel added, “This despicable and violent behavior will not be tolerated at home or abroad. Working with our partners, the FBI will ensure he is held accountable for his dangerous actions.”
Arrest Follows Separate Embassy Staff Killings in D.C.
Neumeyer’s arrest comes just days after two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were attending an event when they were gunned down.
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Witnesses said he shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” as he was taken into custody.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Washington attack as a “horrifying antisemitic murder” during a phone call with Donald Trump the following day.
