US foils alleged Molotov attack plot against Palestinian activist in New York

US law enforcement says it has prevented a planned attack targeting Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani in New York, arresting a suspect accused of preparing to throw Molotov cocktails at her home.

Kiswani, 31, cofounder of the group Within Our Lifetime, said the FBI informed her late Thursday that a threat against her life was imminent. The arrest followed what authorities described as an undercover operation.

“Late last night, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force informed me that a plot against my life that was ‘about to’ take place, and that agents had conducted an operation in Hoboken related to this plot,” Kiswani wrote on social media.

“I will have more to say as additional details come to light,” she added. “I will not stop speaking up for the people of Palestine.”

A federal complaint identifies the suspect as Andrew Heifler, a 26-year-old from New Jersey. According to investigators, he was arrested while assembling incendiary devices and has been charged with making and possessing destructive devices.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the suspect was linked to an offshoot of the far-right Jewish Defense League, a group historically associated with attacks on Arab American activists.

“Let me be clear: We will not tolerate violent extremism in our city. No one should face violence for their political beliefs or their advocacy. I am relieved that Nerdeen is safe,” Mamdani said. “Our city must meet hate with solidarity, and meet fear with an unshakable commitment to justice and to one another.”

Authorities say the case developed over several weeks. During that time, the suspect allegedly communicated with an undercover agent, discussed plans to target Kiswani, and conducted surveillance of her home. Investigators say he also spoke about leaving the country after carrying out the attack.

When officers searched his residence in Hoboken, they recovered eight Molotov cocktails, along with materials used to assemble them, including a high-proof alcohol.

Kiswani said she was grateful the plot had been stopped, but described the threat as part of a broader pattern.

“I feel very blessed that they were able to thwart this,” she said. “But it’s something that is a constant possibility for people who speak up on behalf of Palestine.”

The case comes amid heightened tensions around pro-Palestinian activism in the United States. Advocacy groups have reported increased harassment and surveillance, while some politicians have used inflammatory rhetoric.

Kiswani said in her post that “Zionist organizations like Betar and politicians like Randy Fine have encouraged violence against my family and me” in recent months.

At the same time, law enforcement tactics in cases like this have drawn scrutiny. Authorities have in the past been criticised for relying on undercover agents who engage closely with suspects during the planning stages of alleged attacks. Some civil rights advocates argue those methods risk crossing into entrapment, particularly in cases involving political or religious communities.

The New York Police Department said the operation was carried out through its Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism unit, which focuses on threats linked to far-right groups.