The Justice Department said on Sunday that an American citizen was charged with attempting to firebomb a branch office of the United States Embassy in Israel.
Joseph Neumeyer, 28, who also has German citizenship, was found last week outside the Tel Aviv consulate with a rucksack containing several Molotov bombs, according to federal authorities.
He faces charges of attempting to destroy the US Embassy with fire or explosives.
“As alleged, Neumeyer, armed with potentially lethal devices, sought to cause chaos and destruction at the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv,” stated US Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr.
Neumeyer, a Colorado resident, was deported from Israel to the United States and appeared in a New York federal courthouse on Sunday, where he was ordered detained pending trial.
Authorities claimed he came in Israel in April. On May 19, Neumeyer allegedly proclaimed his intention to target the embassy through a series of Facebook posts.
“Join me this afternoon in Tel Aviv as we burn down the US Embassy,” one message read, according to court documents. “Join me as I burn down the Tel Aviv embassy. Death to America. “Death to Americans, f— the West.”
Other entries advocated for the assassination of President Donald Trump, as well as the killing of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the United Kingdom’s Atomic Energy Authority, and the Antarctic Heritage Trust. Neumeyer appeared outside the embassy branch office in Tel Aviv carrying a rucksack on the same day he posted on social media, according to officials.
He allegedly approached the premises and spat at a guard. The guard sought to apprehend Neumeyer, who yelled profanities before fleeing, leaving his backpack behind.
Authorities discovered numerous bottles inside the suitcase that had been converted into makeshift incendiary devices known as “Molotov cocktails,” which contained a flammable substance, authorities claimed. According to prosecutors, officers from the Israeli National Police, including members of an explosive ordinance disposal unit, were dispatched to the location to ensure the safety of the Molotov cocktails.
No one was injured in the event.
“Neumeyer not only threatened Americans and US diplomatic missions, but he also allegedly attempted to carry out those threats by bringing potentially lethal devices to the US Embassy in Tel Aviv,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen. “Let his arrest carry an unmistakable message: The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue those who attempt to harm U.S. citizens and interests abroad.”
Neumeyer was arrested after being discovered in a motel where he was staying. He is facing up to 20 years in prison.
Fox News Digital has contacted the White House and Neumeyer’s attorney at the federal public defenders office for comment.
