NYPD, FBI Disrupt Alleged Plot to Kill Palestinian Activist

Authorities arrested a man accused of plotting to target a prominent New York City organizer of pro-Palestinian protests.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:58pm

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The NYPD and FBI have disrupted an alleged plot to kill a Palestinian activist, according to law enforcement officials and unsealed court documents. Authorities arrested Alexander Heifler in Hoboken, New Jersey on charges of unlawfully possessing and making firearms, as well as plotting to 'go after' activist Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of Within Our Lifetime and an organizer of many pro-Palestinian protests in New York City.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions and safety concerns around politically-charged protests and activism, especially involving issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Authorities are taking the alleged threat seriously, underscoring the potential for violence against prominent organizers of these types of demonstrations.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Heifler is accused of plotting to target Kiswani, who was not named directly but is known to be the alleged victim based on her social media posts. Kiswani is a co-founder of the group Within Our Lifetime and has organized many pro-Palestinian protests in New York City.

  • Authorities arrested Heifler on Thursday night, March 27, 2026.
  • The criminal complaint was unsealed on March 27, 2026.

The players

Alexander Heifler

A man arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing and making firearms, as well as allegedly plotting to target a prominent Palestinian activist in New York City.

Nerdeen Kiswani

The co-founder of Within Our Lifetime and an organizer of many pro-Palestinian protests in New York City, who was allegedly the target of the plot disrupted by authorities.

NYPD

The New York Police Department, which worked with the FBI to disrupt the alleged plot.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which worked with the NYPD to disrupt the alleged plot.

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What they’re saying

“The FBI informed her she was the alleged target.”

— Nerdeen Kiswani

What’s next

The judge will decide on Heifler's bail status at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This case underscores the heightened security concerns and potential for violence surrounding politically-charged activism, especially related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Authorities are taking these threats seriously to protect the safety of protest organizers and the public.