Alexander Heifler, a 26-year-old Jewish extremist from Hoboken, New Jersey, was arrested on March 26, 2026, following a joint FBI and NYPD investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate pro-Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani using Molotov cocktails. He was charged with unlawful possession and making of destructive devices after authorities found eight completed Molotov cocktails at his home during a raid conducted after an undercover sting operation.
Heifler is linked to the JDL 613 Brotherhood, a New Jersey-based group inspired by the Jewish Defense League (JDL), which the FBI has designated as a known violent extremist organization. According to court documents, Heifler discussed building and using Molotov cocktails during a February 10 video call with a group of individuals that included an undercover officer, later meeting multiple times to plan the attack and assemble the devices. He allegedly had Kiswani’s address, planned to target her Staten Island home and car, and discussed an escape plan to flee to Israel by the end of April.
Key details:
- The undercover officer infiltrated a group chat where Heifler expressed intent to use firebombs, leading to weeks of surveillance.
- Heifler reportedly said, “No IDs, no phones… in and out,” indicating a planned covert attack.
- Though the criminal complaint does not specify a motive, officials note Heifler identified as a member of a pro-Israel extremist group.
- He appeared in federal court in Newark, was held without bond, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
- Prominent figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, condemned the plot as reprehensible political violence.
On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the matter by writing: “We will not tolerate violent extremism in our city. No one should face violence for their political beliefs or their advocacy.” He added, “Our city must meet hate with solidarity, and meet fear with an unshakable commitment to justice and to one another.”