Joseph Neumeyer, a 28-year-old American citizen with dual citizenship in Germany, has been arrested in Israel and charged with attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Justice Department announced the arrest on Sunday, revealing that Neumeyer was found outside the embassy office in Tel Aviv with a backpack containing several Molotov cocktails. Federal prosecutors stated that he is accused of attempting to destroy the U.S. Embassy through fire or explosion. The incident unfolded last week when Neumeyer was discovered near the embassy with the incendiary devices, leading to a security response to neutralize the threat.
According to the charges, Neumeyer made several social media posts on May 19, where he allegedly announced his intent to target the embassy. One of the posts read, ‘Join me this afternoon in Tel Aviv we are burning down the U.S. embassy,’ which is a direct threat against U.S. diplomatic interests. In addition to the embassy, he also called for the assassination of President Donald Trump and other prominent figures. The same day he posted these statements, he arrived outside the embassy branch office in Tel Aviv carrying a backpack.
The guard attempted to detain Neumeyer, who responded with profanities before fleeing, leaving his backpack behind. The Israeli National Police, including members of an explosive ordinance disposal team, were called to the scene to safely handle the Molotov cocktails. No one was harmed during the incident, but the actions of Neumeyer highlight the potential for violence against U.S. diplomatic missions abroad.
FBI Assistant Director Steven Jensen emphasized that Neumeyer’s arrest sends a clear message that the FBI and its partners will pursue individuals attempting to harm U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Neumeyer was found at a hotel and placed under arrest. He faces up to 20 years in prison. The case has drawn attention to the complexities of dual citizenship and the challenges of addressing ideological threats across international borders.