Joseph Neumeyer, an American citizen, faces federal charges after attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Attempted Attack on U.S. Embassy Thwarted

Joseph Neumeyer, a 28-year-old U.S. citizen who also holds German citizenship, was charged with attempting to firebomb a branch of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. The charges were announced on Sunday by the Justice Department, following Neumeyer's recent deportation to the United States.

Neumeyer, a resident of Colorado, arrived in Israel in April. On May 19, he allegedly made threatening posts on Facebook, openly declaring his intention to target the embassy. One chilling post stated, "Join me this afternoon in Tel Aviv we are burning down the U.S. embassy. Death to America. Death to Americans and f--- the west."

According to federal prosecutors, later that same day Neumeyer appeared outside the embassy branch office carrying a backpack containing several improvised incendiary devices, commonly known as Molotov cocktails. He reportedly approached the embassy building and spat on a security guard who attempted to detain him. After cursing and fleeing, Neumeyer abandoned his backpack at the scene.

Quick Response Prevented Casualties

Israeli National Police swiftly responded, including specialized explosive ordinance disposal teams, who safely neutralized the Molotov cocktails found inside Neumeyer's bag. Authorities reported no injuries resulting from the incident.

Federal prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of Neumeyer's actions. 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."

FBI Assistant Director Steven Jensen reinforced the gravity of the situation, remarking, "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. 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 located by law enforcement officials at the hotel where he was staying in Tel Aviv and placed under arrest. Following his deportation back to the United States, he made an initial appearance in a New York federal courtroom on Sunday, where he was ordered to remain in custody pending trial. If convicted, Neumeyer faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

The Justice Department highlighted Neumeyer's broader threats, including calls for violence against President Donald Trump, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the United Kingdom's Atomic Energy Authority, and the Antarctic Heritage Trust, underscoring the wide-ranging nature of his violent intentions.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and Neumeyer's attorney from the federal public defender's office but has not yet received a comment.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the continuing threats faced by U.S. diplomatic missions abroad and underscores the importance of vigilance and rapid response from international law enforcement agencies.