By SDCN Staff
A 28-year-old dual citizen of the United States and Germany was arrested Sunday at John F. Kennedy International Airport by FBI special agents on suspicion of attempting to destroy the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, Israel using fire or explosives, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Eastern District of New York.
Israeli authorities deported Joseph Neumayer to the United States. He made his court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo of the Eastern District of New York and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the complaint, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April. On May 19, Neumeyer arrived outside of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv carrying a dark-colored backpack. Without provocation, Neumeyer spit on an Embassy guard as he walked past. Neumeyer managed to break free as the guard attempted to detain him, leaving behind his backpack. A search of his backpack revealed three rudimentary improvised incendiary devices commonly known as Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement tracked Neumeyer to his hotel, where he was arrested. His social media revealed that earlier in the day on May 19, he posted, “join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f—k the west.” Law enforcement authorities confirmed the presence of flammable fluid in the devices. Other social media posts from an account believed to be used by Neumeyer revealed his threats to assassinate President Trump. On Sunday, Israeli authorities returned Neumeyer to the United States.
“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. “The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
“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.”
If convicted, Neumeyer faces a minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a maximum fine of $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
