The FBI and NYPD have disrupted an alleged plot to firebomb the New York City home of Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime. Authorities arrested Alexander Heifler, a 26-year-old New Jersey resident, on Thursday after an undercover operation uncovered his plans to throw a dozen Molotov cocktails at Kiswani’s residence, where she lives with her infant son and husband.
The investigation, which began in February, involved encrypted communications and in-person meetings between Heifler and an undercover NYPD detective. Court documents reveal that Heifler discussed vandalizing Kiswani’s home, manufacturing Molotov cocktails, and conducting surveillance of her residence. On March 4, he and the undercover officer drove to her home to scope out the location, and Heifler allegedly confirmed plans to build the devices by March 26.
Kiswani, 31, was informed by the FBI late Thursday that a threat on her life had been thwarted. She expressed relief but noted that such threats are a constant risk for activists advocating for Palestine. The NYPD’s counterterrorism bureau led the joint operation with the FBI.
Heifler faces federal charges, including making and possessing destructive devices. The motive behind the alleged plot remains unclear, though Kiswani is a vocal critic of the Israeli government and has led high-profile pro-Palestinian protests in recent years.
The case highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which have fueled both activism and backlash in the U.S.