A dual American German citizen has been arrested and deported after attempting to attack the US Consulate in Tel Aviv last week.
Joseph Neumayer, 28, was detained after he spat on a security guard “without provocation” outside the Consulate in Tel Aviv on May 19, but managed to free himself and fled the scene, the US Department of Justice said.
However, Neumayer – who left behind a backpack containing three firebombs (Molotov cocktails) – was quickly tracked down to his Tel Aviv hotel room, where he was taken into custody.
Several hours before the incident, Neumayer had posted an open threat online, saying, “Join me as I burn down the embassy in Tel Aviv. Death to America, death to Americans, and f— the West.”
According to the DOJ, “Other social media posts from an account believed to be used by Neumeyer revealed his threats to assassinate President Trump.”
On Sunday (May 25), Israeli authorities deported the wannabe terrorist to the United States, where he was taken into custody upon landing at JFK International Airport in New York City.
“This defendant is charged with planning a devastating attack targeting our embassy in Israel, threatening death to Americans, and President Trump’s life,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department will not tolerate such violence and will prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law.”
Neumayer is charged with two felonies: attempting to firebomb the US Consulate and with making threats against President Donald Trump.
“This despicable and violent behavior will not be tolerated at home or abroad, and the FBI, working with our partners, will bring him to face justice for his dangerous actions,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
If convicted, Neumeyer faces a sentence of five to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
