Federal officials arrested Alexander Heifler, 26, for plotting to firebomb the Brooklyn home of Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani. According to multiple reports, the FBI and NYPD conducted an undercover operation that led to Heifler's arrest. The suspect allegedly constructed Molotov cocktails he planned to throw at Kiswani's residence.
Key Takeaways
Federal officials arrested Alexander Heifler for plotting to firebomb the Brooklyn home of Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani. An undercover operation by the FBI and NYPD uncovered the plot, which involved constructing Molotov cocktails. Kiswani expressed relief but highlighted ongoing threats against activists.
- Alexander Heifler arrested for plotting to firebomb Nerdeen Kiswani's home
- Undercover operation led to his arrest after weeks-long surveillance
- Heifler planned to flee to Israel after the attack
- Kiswani faces constant threats but vows to continue activism
- Heifler charged with unlawful possession and making destructive devices
The plot was uncovered through weeks-long surveillance by an undercover agent who infiltrated a group chat used by Heifler. The suspect discussed his plans with the undercover officer, including conducting surveillance on Kiswani's home and assembling Molotov cocktails. He reportedly planned to flee to Israel after carrying out the attack.
Kiswani, co-founder of Within Our Lifetime—a pro-Palestinian activist group—was informed by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force late Thursday that a threat against her life was imminent. She expressed relief that law enforcement thwarted the plot but highlighted the constant danger faced by activists speaking out for Palestine.
The operation was carried out by the NYPD's Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism (REME) unit, formed in response to far-right hate groups. Heifler faces one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices and one count of making destructive devices, each carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the plot, emphasizing that violent extremism would not be tolerated in the city.
The Justice Department announced Heifler's arrest on Friday. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the department's involvement in a post on X, stating: 'Our undercover officer identified and tracked the threat -- first online and then in person -- allowing us to disrupt the planned attack, take Heifler into custody, and ensure that no one was harmed.'
Kiswani said she won't stop speaking up for Palestinians despite the alleged plot. 'For months, Zionist organizations like Beta and politicians like Randy Fine have encouraged violence against my family and me,' she wrote on X.
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