A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly planning to carry out a violent attack against a pro-Palestinian activist based in New York City, authorities say. Nerdeen Kiswani, an outspoken advocate against Israeli actions in Palestine and co-founder of the organization Within Our Lifetime, reported that federal authorities informed her about the threat to her life on Thursday.
The suspect, Alexander Heifler, was apprehended in New Jersey and charged with unlawful possession and making of destructive devices. Law enforcement discovered eight Molotov cocktails in his home during a search after he was observed planning an attack.
No specific motive for the attack was disclosed in the charging documents, but Heifler, described by police as an extremist with no criminal record, appears to have acted independently rather than under direction from a foreign or terrorist entity.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, 'This NYPD investigation uncovered an alleged plot by Alexander Heifler to carry out a violent attack against Nerdeen Kiswani.' The alleged conspiracy started early last month, with evidence showing Heifler discussing plans on a video call with a group that included an undercover officer.
Allegations indicate that Heifler ordered Molotov cocktails and carried out reconnaissance on Kiswani's residence, expressing his intentions to launch an attack. This situation escalated to a meeting where he was prepared to execute his plans.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that Heifler was reportedly affiliated with the Jewish Defense League, a group recognized by the FBI as a violent extremist organization. He emphasized the seriousness of Heifler's actions as a chilling act of political violence.
Kiswani has previously reported ongoing harassment and violence from far-right groups due to her activism. The recent plot against her underscores the dangerous environment that activists facing far-right extremism endure.
The suspect, Alexander Heifler, was apprehended in New Jersey and charged with unlawful possession and making of destructive devices. Law enforcement discovered eight Molotov cocktails in his home during a search after he was observed planning an attack.
No specific motive for the attack was disclosed in the charging documents, but Heifler, described by police as an extremist with no criminal record, appears to have acted independently rather than under direction from a foreign or terrorist entity.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, 'This NYPD investigation uncovered an alleged plot by Alexander Heifler to carry out a violent attack against Nerdeen Kiswani.' The alleged conspiracy started early last month, with evidence showing Heifler discussing plans on a video call with a group that included an undercover officer.
Allegations indicate that Heifler ordered Molotov cocktails and carried out reconnaissance on Kiswani's residence, expressing his intentions to launch an attack. This situation escalated to a meeting where he was prepared to execute his plans.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that Heifler was reportedly affiliated with the Jewish Defense League, a group recognized by the FBI as a violent extremist organization. He emphasized the seriousness of Heifler's actions as a chilling act of political violence.
Kiswani has previously reported ongoing harassment and violence from far-right groups due to her activism. The recent plot against her underscores the dangerous environment that activists facing far-right extremism endure.
