A dual U.S.-German citizen was arrested for allegedly trying to firebomb the U.S. embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, Israel, earlier in this month, the Department of Justice said Sunday.
Joseph Neumayer, 28, allegedly posted on social media that he planned to “burn down the embassy” in Tel Aviv before traveling there, writing, “Death to America,” according to a DOJ release.
Social media posts from an account believed to be used by him also revealed threats to assassinate President Trump, the DOJ said.
Neumayer was taken into custody Sunday by FBI agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York after being deported from Israel, federal prosecutors said.
Prosecutors allege that Neumayer arrived in Israel last month. On May 19, he traveled to the U.S. embassy building, wearing a backpack, and spat at a guard without provocation.
The guard attempted to detain him, but Neumayer broke free, per the DOJ. He left behind his backpack, which was carrying three Molotov cocktails, according to a complaint filed in the Eastern District of New York.
A review of his social media revealed that he had allegedly posted earlier in the day, “join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f**k the west.”
Law enforcement tracked him to his hotel, where he was arrested. Neumayer was returned to the U.S. on Sunday.
“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 in a statement, vowing to prosecute him to the “fullest extent of the law.”
Neumeyer was charged with attempting to destroy, by means of fire or explosive, the embassy building. If convicted, per the DOJ, Neumeyer faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
FBI Director Kash Patel characterized his behavior as “despicable and violent.”
