Joseph Neumayer, a dual American and German citizen, was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport on Sunday after allegedly attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv, Israel. This incident stemmed from a confrontation Neumayer had with a security guard outside the embassy on May 19, where he was detained in Israel. A subsequent search of a backpack he left behind revealed three rudimentary Molotov cocktails.
The Justice Department disclosed that Neumayer, 28, made inflammatory posts on social media, including a call to action to “burn down the embassy” and anti-American rhetoric such as “death to America.” He also allegedly threatened to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Following his detention in Israel, he was deported to the U.S., where he now faces potential charges that could result in up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The Justice Department and FBI emphasized their resolve to address such violence, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stating, “The Department will not tolerate such violence.” FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed that the FBI would ensure accountability for Neumayer’s dangerous actions. Neumayer’s arrest comes in the aftermath of a separate violent incident involving the Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of two staff members. The suspect in that shooting, Elias Rodriguez, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder after shouting “Free, free Palestine” upon his arrest.
This situation unfolds within a broader context of rising tensions and violence linked to international relations and political sentiments surrounding Israel and Palestine. The story remains developing, with updates expected as more details emerge.
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