US-German citizen arrested for attempted firebombing of US embassy in Tel Aviv

The US Department of Justice announced the arrest of Joseph Neumeyer, a dual US and German citizen, for attempting to destroy the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, Israel, using firebombs. The arrest was made by FBI special agents at John F Kennedy International Airport earlier Sunday following Neumeyer’s deportation from Israel.

The criminal complaint was unsealed in the Eastern District of New York, charging Neumeyer, 28, with attempting to destroy, by fire or explosive, a facility used in interstate or foreign commerce. He made his initial appearance before US Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo, where he was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

According to the complaint, Neumeyer arrived in Israel in April 2025. On May 19, he approached the US Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv carrying a dark backpack, spit on a security guard without provocation, and fled the scene, leaving his bag behind. A search revealed three improvised incendiary devices (Molotov cocktails) inside the backpack, which law enforcement confirmed contained flammable liquid.

Israeli authorities tracked Neumeyer to a hotel in Tel Aviv, where he was arrested. On May 25, he was deported to the United States for prosecution.

Authorities also noted that Neumeyer’s social media posts included explicit threats such as: “Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f--- the West.” He also allegedly posted threats to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

Statements from US officials

“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.”

“His arrest and prosecution clearly show that my Office and the Department of Justice will not tolerate violence in our homeland or against US interests abroad,” said US Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York.

FBI Director Kash Patel added, “This despicable and violent behavior will not be tolerated at home or abroad, and the FBI, working with our partners, will bring him to face justice for his dangerous actions.”

If convicted, Neumeyer faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison, along with a maximum fine of $250,000.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office with support from the FBI New York Field Office. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, along with the FBI Legal Attaché in Israel, coordinated closely with Israeli law enforcement, whose quick action prevented any casualties.

The prosecution is being led by Acting Deputy Chief Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Oken, with support from Trial Attorney Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.