Man who 'threatened' Trump arrested at JFK in foiled US embassy bomb plot in Israel
Joseph Neumayer, a dual American-German citizen, was also arrested in Israel on May 19 over a separate incident where he is alleged to have made a violent threat against President Trump
A 28-year-old man was apprehended Sunday at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport after authorities discovered his alleged plot to firebomb a U.S. Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to the Justice Department.
Joseph Neumayer, a dual American-German citizen, was reportedly detained in Israel on May 19 following a hostile encounter with a security guard outside the embassy office.
Officials found three crude Molotov cocktails in a backpack he had abandoned. The justice department also disclosed that before his arrest, Neumayer, 28, posted a statement on social media saying, "Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f*** the west."
Reports also suggest that he allegedly threatened to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump. "The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law," stated U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
FBI Director Kash Patel also issued a statement. "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," he declared, as reported by the Mirror US.
DON'T MISS:
- Israel's UN ambassador condemns 'depraved act of terrorism' in DC shooting
- Israeli embassy staffers shot dead were 'beautiful couple' about to be engaged
- Two Israeli Embassy staff members shot dead in Washington, DC
"As alleged, Neumeyer, armed with potentially lethal devices, sought to cause chaos and destruction at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv," stated U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. "His arrest and prosecution clearly show that my Office and the Department of Justice will not tolerate violence in our homeland or violence targeting U.S. interests abroad."
After being deported back to the U.S. by Israeli authorities, Neumayer could face a 20-year prison sentence if convicted, along with a hefty fine of up to $250,000. The DOJ notes that a "federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors."
The apprehension of Neumayer follows closely on the heels of a tragic incident where an Israeli couple was gunned down outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leite mourned, saying, "The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple,".
Police reports state that the shooting took place around 9:08 p.m., as the couple exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The assailant reportedly approached a group of four and began shooting, revealed Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith during a press briefing.
Police spokesperson Smith stated: "We believe the shooting was committed by a single suspect who is now in custody. Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum.
"He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents. After the shooting, the suspect then entered the museum and was detained by event security once in handcuffs. The suspect identified where he discarded the weapon, and that weapon has been recovered."
The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Videos taken at the scene and posted on social media show Rodriguez shouting "Free, free Palestine" after being taken into custody.
