NEW YORK, NEW YORK — Authorities say a planned firebomb attack targeting a Palestinian activist in Brooklyn was thwarted following an undercover NYPD operation, leading to the arrest of a New Jersey man.
According to federal prosecutors, 26-year-old Andrew Heifler was taken into custody after allegedly assembling Molotov cocktails intended for use against activist Nerdeen Kiswani, a co-founder of the group Within Our Lifetime. Officials said Heifler had discussed the plot for weeks with an undercover detective who infiltrated an online group chat.
Investigators allege Heifler conducted surveillance of Kiswani’s residence and planned to throw multiple incendiary devices at her home and nearby vehicles before fleeing the country. Authorities recovered eight Molotov cocktails and related materials during a search of his residence.
Kiswani, who has been active in organizing pro-Palestinian demonstrations, said she was informed of the threat shortly before the arrest and expressed concern about ongoing risks faced by activists.
Heifler faces federal charges related to the possession and construction of destructive devices, each carrying potential prison sentences. He is expected to appear in federal court as the case proceeds.
Officials said the operation was handled by the NYPD’s counterterrorism unit focused on racially and ethnically motivated extremism.
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