The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended a 28-year-old dual American and German citizen, Joseph Neumayer, at John F. Kennedy International Airport on charges of an attempted terror attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. The arrest, which took place following Neumayer's deportation from Israel, was part of a coordinated effort between U.S. and Israeli law enforcement to thwart the alleged plot and protect American interests abroad.
Joseph Neumayer's first confrontation with Israeli authorities occurred on May 19, 2025, when he allegedly spat on a guard at the U.S. Embassy. This altercation led to the discovery of a backpack containing three Molotov cocktails, which Neumayer abandoned while fleeing from the guard. The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported that earlier on the same day, Neumayer had published incendiary posts on social media, urging others to "burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv" and expressing hostility towards Americans and Western countries.
The DOJ highlighted the gravity of the threats made by Neumayer, which went beyond the planned attack on the embassy. His social media activity also included direct threats to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Following these events, Israeli officials deported Neumayer to the United States on May 25, where he now faces serious charges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the DOJ's commitment to prosecuting Neumayer aggressively, stating, "This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life. The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law."
FBI Director Kash Patel commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and underscored the severity of threats to U.S. interests. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella affirmed the position that any violence aimed at American targets, whether on foreign soil or domestic, will be met with zero tolerance. If convicted, Neumayer could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This incident has once again brought to light the ongoing challenges in securing diplomatic missions and the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. The arrest serves as a reminder of the persistent threats facing American facilities and personnel overseas, and the critical role of vigilant security measures and intelligence sharing between nations.
