US arrests man accused of firebomb plot against Embassy in Israel
A man accused of attempting to burn down the US Embassy in Tel Aviv was arrested in New York on Sunday after being deported by Israeli authorities, according to the US Justice Department.
Joseph Neumeyer, a 28-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Germany, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy Airport. The US Justice Department said Neumeyer had attempted to carry out a firebomb attack using Molotov cocktails and made violent threats online, including against Americans and US President Donald Trump.
Explosives found in abandoned backpack
Neumeyer had arrived in Israel last month and went to the US Embassy in Tel Aviv last week.
According to officials quoted by the justice department, he confronted a security guard outside the building, spitting on him before trying to flee. He dropped his backpack during the altercation and managed to escape.
A search of the bag revealed three improvised explosive devices commonly known as Molotov cocktails, which are designed to start fires when thrown. Neumeyer was later tracked down to his hotel and arrested by Israeli police.
The Justice Department said he had posted on social media: 'Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f--- the west.' He also allegedly threatened to assassinate Donald Trump in a separate post.
Neumeyer claims on his social media that he is the founder and CEO of a company called Atlas Light Company, although it remains unclear what the company does. His recent posts also expressed anger towards the United States and Western governments.
Facing up to 20 years in prison
Neumeyer appeared in a New York court on Sunday and remains in custody. If convicted, he could face 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 behaviour 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.'
Arrest follows embassy staff killings in DC
The arrest comes just days after two staffers from the Israeli Embassy in Washington were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were attending an event when they were shot.
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, from Chicago, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Witnesses say he shouted 'Free, free Palestine' as he was taken into custody.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the shooting as a 'horrifying antisemitic murder' in a call with Trump the next day.
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