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The 28-year-old was deported back into the United States from Israel Sunday after the alleged attempt, the DOJ says.
WASHINGTON — A man was arrested and charged in New York after allegedly planning to “destroy” the United States Embassy in Israel, the Department of Justice said Sunday.
Federal prosecutors in New York say Joseph Neumayer, a 28-year-old dual U.S. and German citizen, was deported from Israel back into the U.S. after spitting on a guard outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and leaving behind a backpack containing Molotov cocktails May 19. Neumayer is originally from Colorado, according to court records.
He arrived in Israel sometime in April after traveling from the U.S. into Canada in early February, according to court records obtained by the Associated Press.
“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.”
Social media possibly linked to Neumayer allegedly included posts threatening to assassinate Trump and mention of the attempt to “burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv,” according to the DOJ.
He was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport upon arrival back into the U.S. Saturday. He has since been detained.
The attack took place against the backdrop of Israel’s war in Gaza, now in its 19th month.
If convicted, Neumeyer could see a minimum of five years or maximum of 20 years in prison, and a minimum fine of $250,000.
Multiple Federal Bureau of Investigation offices are still investigating the case. No other information is available at this time.