Dual U.S.-German Citizen Charged with Attempted Firebombing of U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv

Joseph Neumayer Faces Federal Charges After Allegedly Attempting to Attack Embassy with Molotov Cocktails and Threatening President Trump

Joseph Neumayer, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Germany, was arrested at JFK Airport after being deported by Israeli authorities. He has been charged in federal court in New York with attempting to use fire or explosives to destroy the U.S. Embassy’s branch office in Tel Aviv. Neumayer appeared before a magistrate judge and is currently being held without bail.

According to the complaint, Neumayer arrived in Israel in April 2025. On May 19, he approached the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv with a backpack, spit on a security guard, and fled after a brief confrontation, leaving the bag behind. Authorities discovered three homemade firebombs inside. He was later tracked to his hotel and arrested.

Investigators found evidence on Neumayer’s social media suggesting violent intent, including a post encouraging others to join him in burning down the embassy and expressing hatred toward the U.S. and its allies. Additional posts allegedly included threats against former President Trump. The incendiary devices were confirmed to contain flammable materials.

Top officials from the Department of Justice, including Attorney General Bondi, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and FBI Director Kash Patel, all condemned Neumayer’s actions. They emphasized the seriousness of the charges and their commitment to prosecuting threats against U.S. interests, both domestic and abroad.

If convicted, Neumayer could face between five and 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case is being handled by a team of prosecutors from multiple divisions of the Justice Department, with assistance from both U.S. and Israeli law enforcement agencies.

Read the announcement.