DOJ charges man who allegedly brought Molotov cocktails to US Embassy in Tel Aviv
An American citizen, Joseph Neumeyer, was charged with attempting to firebomb a U.S. Embassy branch office in Israel, as announced by the Justice Department. Neumeyer, who also holds German citizenship, was found last week outside the embassy office in Tel Aviv with a backpack containing several Molotov cocktails, federal prosecutors revealed. The charges against him include attempting to destroy the U.S. Embassy using fire or explosives.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. stated, “As alleged, Neumeyer, armed with potentially lethal devices, sought to cause chaos and destruction at the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv.”
Neumeyer, a resident of Colorado, was deported from Israel to the U.S. and appeared in a New York federal courtroom where he was ordered to be held pending trial. He had arrived in Israel in April and on May 19, he made several posts on Facebook announcing his intent to target the embassy. In one post, he wrote, “Join me this afternoon in Tel Aviv we are burning down the U.S. embassy. Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America. Death to Americans and f— the west.”
Additionally, Neumeyer made posts calling for the assassination of President Donald Trump, as well as targeting Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the United Kingdom’s Atomic Energy Authority, and the Antarctic Heritage Trust. On the same day as his social media posts, Neumeyer arrived outside the embassy branch office in Tel Aviv carrying a backpack.
He allegedly approached the building, spat on a guard, and when the guard tried to detain him, Neumeyer fled, leaving his backpack behind. The bag contained improvised incendiary devices, known as Molotov cocktails, which had a flammable fluid inside. Israeli National Police officers, along with an explosive ordinance disposal team, were called to the scene to deal with the potentially dangerous situation.
Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident. Neumeyer faces serious charges for his actions, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen stated, “Neumeyer not only made threats against Americans and U.S. diplomatic missions, but also allegedly attempted to carry out those threats by bringing potentially deadly devices to the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.”
Neumeyer was found at a hotel where he was staying and placed under arrest. He could face up to 20 years in prison for his actions. Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and Neumeyer’s attorney for further comments on the matter. This incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to protect U.S. citizens and interests abroad.
