FBI and NYPD Foil Plot to Firebomb Palestinian Activist’s Home
A New Jersey resident was arrested after an undercover probe uncovered plans to attack a Brooklyn activist’s residence. Federal prosecutors and New York police say the suspect was assembling incendiary devices when agents moved in.
Suspect and charges
Authorities identified the accused as Andrew Heifler, who lived in Hoboken. He was charged in a federal criminal complaint with two firearms offenses.
Agents recovered eight Molotov-style incendiary devices from Heifler’s home. FBI bomb technicians found ethanol on the devices. The technicians concluded the items qualified as destructive devices.
Alleged planning and surveillance
Investigators say the plot unfolded over weeks. Heifler discussed the attack with an undercover law enforcement officer.
Officials say he joined a February video call about training and wanting space to test Molotov cocktails. The next day he met the undercover officer in person and spoke about vandalizing the activist’s home.
On March 4, Heifler and the undercover officer drove to the target’s residence to conduct surveillance. He reportedly spoke of making about a dozen Molotov cocktails. He also suggested targeting cars parked outside.
Prosecutors say Heifler had the activist’s address. He told the undercover officer he planned to flee the country after the attack. He had discussed leaving at the end of April, then postponing to mid-May.
Arrest and evidence
When agents executed a search warrant, they say Heifler was assembling devices at his Hoboken home. He carried a large bottle of Everclear and other components for the incendiaries.
Officers recovered eight completed devices after the assembly. The complaint says law enforcement found materials consistent with Molotov cocktails during the operation.
Target and reaction
The target was Nerdeen Kiswani, 31, a Brooklyn-based Palestinian activist. Kiswani co-founded the group Within Our Lifetime.
She told investigators an FBI official called late Thursday. The official warned that a threat to her life was imminent and that a suspect had been apprehended.
Kiswani said she felt shaken but grateful. She added that threats are an ongoing risk for people who publicly advocate for Palestine.
Investigative partners and court status
The FBI and the NYPD worked together on the undercover operation. A federal complaint details much of the investigative timeline.
Public court records did not list an attorney for Heifler. The docket also lacked information about his initial appearance date.
This report is based on court filings and law enforcement statements. Filmogaz.com will provide updates as the case progresses.
