A dual citizen of the United States and Germany has been arrested and charged for attempting to firebomb a U.S. Embassy branch office in Israel.
According to the Justice Department, 28-year-old Joseph Neumeyer arrived in Israel in April and, on May 19, approached the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv with a backpack containing three Molotov cocktails. Authorities say he attempted to carry out a violent attack on the facility but fled after allegedly spitting on a security guard and leaving the explosives behind.
Israeli law enforcement quickly located Neumeyer at his hotel, arrested him, and deported him to the United States. He was taken into custody by FBI agents upon landing at JFK Airport in New York.
The Justice Department confirmed that Neumeyer faces charges related to the attempted destruction of U.S. government property with explosives. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Federal officials also revealed that Neumeyer had made disturbing posts on social media in the days leading up to the attempted attack. These included threats against Americans and explicit calls for violence, including statements like “Death to America” and messages targeting former President Donald Trump. His online rhetoric, coupled with the attempted bombing, paints a clear picture of an individual motivated by anti-American extremism.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a statement condemning the attempted attack and reaffirmed that the Justice Department will prosecute Neumeyer to the fullest extent of the law. She emphasized that any threats or attempts to harm American personnel or property—whether abroad or at home—will not be tolerated.
This case highlights the ongoing need for vigilance against radicalized individuals who pose a threat to U.S. interests, even when operating on foreign soil. Despite the Biden administration’s often passive foreign policy stance, federal authorities appear to be taking this case seriously—at least for now.