Man arrested over plot to firebomb pro-Palestinian activist's NY home

Alexander Heifler, a 26-year-old New Jersey man, was arrested for allegedly plotting a violent attack against Nerdeen Kiswani, a pro-Palestinian activist in New York. Authorities were alerted to the plot in early March after Heifler discussed plans to vandalize Kiswani's home and inquired about locations to throw Molotov cocktails during a video call with a "self-defense" group that included an undercover officer. Heifler allegedly conducted surveillance of Kiswani's residence and met with the undercover agent near her home on March 26 with materials to assemble Molotov cocktails. A search of Heifler's residence revealed eight Molotov cocktails. Heifler has been described as an extremist with no prior criminal record.

Law enforcement foiled a plot to assassinate Palestinian American activist Nerdeen Kiswani in New York, arresting 26-year-old Alexander Heifler in Hoboken, New Jersey. Heifler is charged with unlawfully possessing and making firearms, according to a criminal complaint. An undercover NYPD officer infiltrated a group Heifler was involved with and met with him, where Heifler discussed plans and possessed the activist's address. Kiswani stated that Zionist organizations and politicians have encouraged violence against her and her family for months. She recently sued the pro-Israel group Betar for stalking and harassment, including social media "bounties." Betar recently ceased its New York operations as part of a settlement with the attorney general for bias-motivated actions.

A New Jersey man, Andrew Heifler, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly plotting to firebomb the Brooklyn home of Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani. The arrest followed a weeks-long undercover operation by the NYPD and the FBI. Heifler, 26, is accused of assembling Molotov cocktails with the intent to target Kiswani, a prominent organizer of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, due to her activism. He had discussed the plan with an undercover detective who infiltrated a group chat used by Heifler. Heifler faces charges of making and possessing destructive devices, each carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Kiswani stated that she was informed of the disrupted plot by law enforcement and that it would not deter her activism.

US law enforcement agencies foiled an assassination plot against Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani in New York City. The FBI informed Kiswani, cofounder of Within Our Lifetime, of the threat on Thursday. A New Jersey man, Andrew Heifler, 26, was arrested in Hoboken and charged with making and possessing destructive devices, allegedly assembling Molotov cocktails to throw at Kiswani's home. The arrest was the result of an undercover law enforcement operation. Kiswani stated that she will continue to advocate for Palestine. The incident occurs amid heightened harassment and surveillance of Palestinian rights activists in the US.