FBI Arrests 28-Year-Old for Allegedly Plotting to Firebomb US Embassy in Israel

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A 28-year-old American citizen has been arrested for allegedly plotting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Joseph Neumayer, a dual citizen of the United States and Germany, was taken into custody by the FBI at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Neumayer was first arrested by Israeli authorities and deported to the U.S., where he was ordered detained by Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.

The Department of Justice confirmed Sunday that Neumayer arrived in Israel in April 2025.

His first reported incident with Israeli authorities occurred on May 19, when he allegedly spat on a U.S. Embassy guard.

According to the DOJ, Neumayer carried a dark-colored backpack and approached the Embassy before spitting on the guard without provocation, as the Daily Wire reported.

“As alleged in the complaint, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April 2025. On May 19, Neumeyer, 28, arrived outside of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv carrying a dark-colored backpack. Without provocation Neumeyer spit on an Embassy guard as he walked past. Neumeyer managed to break free as the guard attempted to detain him, leaving behind his backpack,” the department said.

As the guard attempted to detain him, Neumayer broke free and left the backpack behind.

Law enforcement recovered the bag and discovered three Molotov cocktails inside.

The DOJ said Neumayer had posted earlier that day on social media, calling for others to “burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv” and included threats against Americans and the West.

“A search of Neumeyer’s backpack revealed three rudimentary improvised incendiary devices commonly known as Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement tracked Neumeyer to his hotel, where he was arrested,” the DOJ revealed.

“Neumeyer’s social media revealed that earlier in the day on May 19, he posted, ‘join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f*ck the west,’” the department added.

Other social media posts linked to Neumayer included direct threats to assassinate President Donald Trump.

On May 25, Israeli officials deported Neumayer back to the United States for prosecution.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Department of Justice would prosecute Neumayer “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life. The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law,” Bondi said.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the arrest highlights law enforcement’s cooperation with Israeli partners and the seriousness of threats against U.S. interests.

“Joining our partners, I can confirm that today FBI agents arrested Joseph Neumayer, a dual U.S. and German citizen, on allegations of planning to firebomb the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel — as well as threats made against President Trump’s life on social media,” Patel said.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella emphasized that violence against American targets, foreign or domestic, will not be tolerated.

Neumayer faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.