US authorities foil alleged plot against pro-Palestinian activist in New York

US law enforcement authorities have disrupted what officials described as a planned assassination targeting Nerdeen Kiswani, a prominent figure in New York’s pro-Palestinian protest movement, and charged a New Jersey man in connection with the case, according to officials and court documents.

The New York Police Department and federal authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, intervened before the alleged plot could be carried out, as per US media reports.

Late Thursday, March 26, FBI agents notified Kiswani and her lawyer that an arrest had been made in connection with what was described as an imminent attempt on her life. However, authorities did not disclose a motive, her lawyer said.

The suspect, Alexander Heifler, 26, was taken into custody after investigators searched his home in Hoboken on Thursday night. Officials said they discovered eight Molotov cocktails at the residence. He was charged Friday morning in a criminal complaint with manufacturing and possessing the devices and is expected to appear in federal court in Newark later that day.

According to the complaint, the alleged plot had been developing since at least February. During that time, Heifler discussed building and using Molotov cocktails for what he described as “self-defence” in a group video call that included an undercover police officer, according to a Police Department official.

Prosecutors said Heifler was arrested shortly after he and the undercover detective assembled eight Molotov cocktails that he intended to use at what he believed to be Kiswani’s home address.

The complaint further states that Heifler initially planned to leave the United States two days after carrying out the attack, but later told the undercover officer that his travel plans had been postponed until mid-May.

Kiswani, 31, is the co-founder of the pro-Palestinian organisation Within Our Lifetime, which has organised numerous protests highlighting the humanitarian situation faced by Palestinians during Israel’s war in Gaza. The group has gained visibility in New York for its forceful rhetoric and disruptive demonstrations, including one that led authorities to shut down Grand Central Terminal.

In a statement to The New York Times, Kiswani said FBI agents informed her Thursday night that “a plot against my life was ‘about to’ take place.”

She added: “I will have more to say as additional details come to light. I will not stop speaking up for the people of Palestine. Thank you for your support.”

By Tamilla Hasanova