Joseph Neumayer, a dual U.S.-German citizen, was arrested at JFK Airport after being deported by Israeli authorities and charged in New York with attempting to attack the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv using fire or explosives.
According to federal prosecutors, Neumayer, 28, arrived in Israel in April 2025. On May 19, he approached the embassy carrying a dark backpack, spat on a guard, and fled after a brief scuffle, leaving the backpack behind. Inside were three Molotov cocktails filled with flammable liquid.
He was tracked to his hotel and arrested. That same day, Neumayer had posted on social media: “Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f—k the West.” Other posts included threats to assassinate former President Trump.
Neumayer appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo in Brooklyn and was ordered detained.
If convicted of the charges, Neumayer could face up to 20 years in prison. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.