Authorities Foil Plot to Firebomb NYC Home of Palestinian Activist

Suspect arrested for allegedly constructing Molotov cocktails to target activist Nerdeen Kiswani's Brooklyn residence

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:54pm

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Federal officials have arrested a 26-year-old New Jersey man named Alexander Heifler for allegedly plotting to firebomb the Brooklyn home of Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani, the co-founder of the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime. Heifler was charged with unlawful possession of destructive devices and making destructive devices after an undercover NYPD operation uncovered his alleged plans to throw Molotov cocktails at Kiswani's residence.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and threats faced by Palestinian activists in the United States, as well as the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to disrupt potential acts of domestic terrorism or politically motivated violence before they can be carried out.

The details

According to the Justice Department complaint, Heifler allegedly constructed Molotov cocktails that he planned to throw at Kiswani's home in Brooklyn. The NYPD's counterterrorism unit conducted an undercover operation that allowed them to identify and track the threat, leading to Heifler's arrest on Thursday night.

  • Heifler was arrested on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • The alleged plot was uncovered through an ongoing undercover NYPD investigation.

The players

Alexander Heifler

A 26-year-old man from Hoboken, New Jersey who was arrested and charged for allegedly plotting to firebomb the home of a Palestinian activist.

Nerdeen Kiswani

The co-founder of the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, whose Brooklyn home was allegedly targeted in the foiled firebombing plot.

Jessica Tisch

The New York Police Department Commissioner who confirmed the NYPD's role in disrupting the planned attack.

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What they’re saying

“Our undercover officer identified and tracked the threat — first online and then in person — allowing us to disrupt the planned attack, take Heifler into custody, and ensure that no one was harmed.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner

“For months, Zionist organizations like Beta and politicians like Randy Fine have encouraged violence against my family and me. I will have more to say as additional details come to light.”

— Nerdeen Kiswani

What’s next

Heifler is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days, where a judge will determine whether he should be held without bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This foiled plot underscores the ongoing threats and intimidation faced by Palestinian activists in the United States, as well as the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to disrupt potential acts of politically motivated violence before they can be carried out.