Brooklyn, NY — May 25, 2025
Federal authorities announced today the arrest of 28-year-old Joseph Neumayer, a dual U.S.-German citizen, for attempting to attack the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv with incendiary devices. Neumayer was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport earlier this morning by FBI special agents after being deported by Israeli authorities.
According to court documents unsealed in the Eastern District of New York, Neumayer is charged with attempting to destroy the Branch Office of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv by means of fire or explosive. The arrest stems from a May 19 incident in which Neumayer, carrying a backpack, allegedly approached the embassy, spit on a guard, and fled the scene, leaving the backpack behind. A subsequent search uncovered three Molotov cocktails—rudimentary firebombs filled with flammable liquid.
Israeli police tracked Neumayer to a hotel, where he was arrested later that day. His social media activity further raised alarms. In a post made hours before the incident, Neumayer allegedly wrote: “Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f—k the west.” Additional posts from the same account contained threats to assassinate former President Donald Trump.
“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.”
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella added, “His arrest and prosecution clearly show that my Office and the Department of Justice will not tolerate violence in our homeland or violence targeting U.S. interests abroad.”
Neumayer made his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo in Brooklyn and was ordered held in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the gravity of the charges: “The defendant is charged with attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy and making threats to President Trump. This despicable and violent behavior will not be tolerated.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington and New York Field Offices, with key support from the FBI Legal Attaché in Israel and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. U.S. officials also thanked Israeli authorities for their swift action and cooperation in preventing casualties.
If convicted, Neumayer faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, along with a potential fine of $250,000. His sentence will be determined by a federal judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The prosecution is being led by Acting Deputy Chief Frank Rangoussis, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Oken, and Trial Attorney Ryan White of the National Security Division.
