The 28-year-old was deported back into the United States from Israel Sunday after the alleged attempt, the DOJ says.
WASHINGTON — According to the Department of Justice, a man has been arrested and charged in New York over alleged plans to “destroy” the U.S. Embassy in Israel.
Federal authorities in New York report that Joseph Neumayer, a 28-year-old with dual citizenship in the U.S. and Germany, was expelled from Israel and returned to the U.S. He had reportedly spat on a security guard outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and abandoned a backpack filled with Molotov cocktails on May 19. Court documents reveal that Neumayer hails from Colorado.
Records accessed by the Associated Press indicate that he traveled from the U.S. to Canada in early February before arriving in Israel in April.
“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.”
Social media possibly linked to Neumayer allegedly included posts threatening to assassinate Trump and mention of the attempt to “burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv,” according to the DOJ.
He was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport upon arrival back into the U.S. Saturday. He has since been detained.
The attack took place against the backdrop of Israel’s war in Gaza, now in its 19th month.
If convicted, Neumeyer could see a minimum of five years or maximum of 20 years in prison, and a minimum fine of $250,000.
Multiple Federal Bureau of Investigation offices are still investigating the case. No other information is available at this time.
