A 26-year-old man has been arrested following a weekslong undercover operation by the New York City Police Department, accused of planning to firebomb the home of Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani. Alexander Heifler was charged with making and possessing destructive devices after law enforcement officials recovered eight Molotov cocktails from his residence.
The alleged plot targeted Kiswani, who leads protests in New York against Israel and the conflict in Gaza through the organization "Within Our Lifetime."
Arrest and Charges
Alexander Heifler, 26, was arrested on Thursday, at his home in Hoboken, New Jersey. He faces charges of making and possessing destructive devices, with each count carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Heifler made an initial appearance in New Jersey federal court.
The operation leading to his arrest was conducted by the Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism unit within the NYPD's counterterrorism bureau.
Details of the Alleged Plot
According to court filings by an FBI agent, the alleged plot involved Heifler discussing "self-defense" training and the desire for a space to use Molotov cocktails in February. He subsequently met an undercover NYPD detective who had infiltrated a group chat used by Heifler.
During their interactions, Heifler reportedly discussed using Molotov cocktails against Kiswani and then fleeing the country, stating, "We have (Kiswani's) address."
On March 4, Heifler and the undercover detective allegedly conducted surveillance of Kiswani's Brooklyn residence, during which they discussed making a dozen Molotov cocktails. On Thursday, Heifler met the undercover detective at his residence, where he had assembled components for the devices.
Law enforcement then executed a search warrant at his home, recovering eight Molotov cocktails. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the operation was designed to detect danger early and prevent violence.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the operation was designed to detect danger early and prevent violence.
The Target and Her Activism
Nerdeen Kiswani, 31, is a Palestinian activist residing in Brooklyn with her infant son and husband. She frequently leads protests in New York against Israel and the conflict in Gaza through the organization "Within Our Lifetime."
Kiswani stated that law enforcement officials informed her late Thursday about the disrupted threat against her life, and she indicated that the plot would not deter her activism.
Kiswani stated that law enforcement officials informed her late Thursday about the disrupted threat against her life, and she indicated that the plot would not deter her activism.
Kiswani co-founded "Within Our Lifetime," which organizes protests against Israel. The group's calls to "abolish Zionism" and support for "all forms of struggle" have drawn criticism, which Kiswani disputes as antisemitism. Kiswani has reportedly been a target of online criticism. She commented that "hate against Palestinians has been bolstered by public officials, by Zionist organizations," which she views as an inevitable result.
Alleged Affiliations and Motive
An official briefed on the investigation stated that Heifler identified as a member of the JDL 613 Brotherhood, a New Jersey-based group founded in 2024. This group describes its members as "Jewish warriors" opposing rising antisemitism.
The group's website indicates inspiration from the original Jewish Defense League, which has been linked to past acts of violence. According to an anonymous official, Heifler reportedly planned to flee to Israel after the attack.
Official Statements
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the situation, stating that violent extremism would not be tolerated in the city and that no one should face violence for their political beliefs or advocacy. He expressed relief that Nerdeen Kiswani was safe.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the situation, stating that violent extremism would not be tolerated in the city and that no one should face violence for their political beliefs or advocacy.