Federal authorities have arrested and charged a dual US-German citizen, Joseph Neumayer, with attempting to firebomb the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel and making explicit threats against President Donald Trump.
According to the Justice Department, Neumayer traveled to Israel in April 2025 and, on May 19, approached the US Embassy in Tel Aviv carrying a backpack.
Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses confirmed that Neumayer spit on an American security guard before fleeing the scene, leaving the backpack behind. Inside, Israeli authorities discovered three Molotov cocktails—crude incendiary weapons designed to inflict maximum damage.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the gravity of the charges: “This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life.
The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
Neumayer’s online activity reveals a disturbing level of premeditation. Hours before the attempted attack, he allegedly posted on social media: “Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv.
Death to America, death to Americans, and f*ck the West.” Other posts were reportedly aimed at President Trump, threatening his life directly.
Israeli police acted quickly, locating Neumayer at a nearby hotel and arresting him without incident. After a brief detention, Israeli authorities deported him back to the United States on May 25. FBI agents took him into custody upon arrival at JFK International Airport in New York.
He now faces federal charges in the Eastern District of New York for attempting to destroy US government property with fire or explosives. Neumayer appeared before US Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo and is being held without bail.
FBI Director Kash Patel strongly condemned the incident, calling it “despicable and violent behavior,” and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to working with international partners to bring threats to justice.
US 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 US interests abroad.”
If convicted, Neumayer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison, along with a possible $250,000 fine.
This case highlights the continuing threats to US personnel and property overseas, as well as the growing danger posed by radicalized individuals targeting American institutions and political figures. Authorities say they are taking such threats seriously—especially when they cross national borders.