- Alexander Heifler, 26, was arrested at his home in Hoboken, New Jersey, while allegedly assembling Molotov cocktails to attack the home of activist Nerdeen Kiswani.
- The plot was disrupted by a weeks-long operation involving an undercover NYPD detective who infiltrated a group chat used by the suspect.
- Heifler is reportedly a member of the “JDL 613 Brotherhood,” a group inspired by the Jewish Defense League, which has a history of violent militancy.
A major tragedy was averted in New York this week as federal and local authorities disrupted a plot to firebomb the residence of prominent Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Alexander Heifler, a 26-year-old resident of Hoboken, was taken into custody on Thursday, March 26, 2026, just as he was allegedly finalizing the construction of explosive devices.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Judge Frees 37 Inmates Over Prolonged Detention in Akwa Ibom
- Trump Threatens Iran Over Energy Attacks
- Tinubu Excludes Kemi Badenoch from UK State Visit Itinerary
Heifler now faces federal charges for the possession and manufacture of destructive devices, each carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence.
The investigation, led by the NYPD’s Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism unit, relied on an undercover detective who successfully embedded within Heifler’s circle.
According to court filings, Heifler discussed his desire to “fight back” against rising antisemitism and specifically targeted Kiswani, the co-founder of the organization “Within Our Lifetime.”
Surveillance records show that on March 4, the undercover agent accompanied Heifler to Kiswani’s Brooklyn home to scout the location and discuss throwing a dozen Molotov cocktails at the house and parked vehicles.
Nerdeen Kiswani, 31, who lives with her husband and infant son, was informed of the threat late Thursday.
Despite the narrow escape, she remained defiant, stating that such threats are a “constant possibility” for those advocating for Palestine.
The suspect, identified as a member of the JDL 613 Brotherhood, reportedly planned to flee to Israel immediately following the attack.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the plot, emphasizing that the city will not tolerate violent extremism regardless of political or religious affiliation.
The arrest highlights a period of intense domestic friction linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
While Kiswani’s group has faced criticism for its “abolish Zionism” rhetoric, law enforcement officials stressed that political disagreement does not justify domestic terrorism.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the “sophisticated apparatus” of the counterterrorism bureau for detecting the danger early and preventing a potentially lethal firebombing on New York streets.
