A 28-year-old dual U.S.-German citizen, Joseph Neumayer, has been arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport for allegedly plotting to bomb the U.S. Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv.
According to the Justice Department, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April and was detained on May 19 after spitting on a security guard outside the embassy. He reportedly fled the scene but left behind a backpack containing three Molotov cocktails.
“The suspect is believed to have left a bag with flammable materials while attempting to flee,” Israeli police said. “Police and municipal personnel quickly located and arrested him. A bomb squad found Molotov cocktail components.”
Court documents revealed Neumayer had posted online: “Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f**k the west.” He had also allegedly threatened to assassinate Donald Trump.
Deported by Israeli officials, he was arrested upon arrival in New York.
“This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.