BREAKING: US citizen charged with attempting to firebomb US Embassy in Israel and threatening life of President 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.”

Joseph Neumayer, 28, was taken into custody by FBI agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport Sunday morning following his deportation from Israel. A federal complaint unsealed in the Eastern District of New York charges Neumayer with attempting to destroy a US government facility using fire or explosives. He made his initial appearance before US Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo and was ordered held without bail.

According to the Justice Department, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April 2025. On May 19, he appeared outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv carrying a dark backpack. Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses report that he spat on an Embassy guard before fleeing the scene, leaving his backpack behind. Security personnel recovered the bag, which contained three makeshift incendiary devices, commonly known as Molotov cocktails.

A search of Neumayer's social media accounts revealed a post made earlier that day stating: “Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f*ck the West.” Authorities also cited additional posts containing threats against former President Donald Trump.

Israeli law enforcement swiftly tracked Neumayer to a hotel and arrested him without further incident. He was deported to the US on May 25.

FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the attack as “despicable and violent behavior,” adding, “The FBI, working with our partners, will bring him to face justice for his dangerous actions.”

US Attorney Joseph Nocella echoed the sentiment, stating, “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 of five years and up to 20 years in prison, along with a possible fine of $250,000.