Hoboken man accused of plot targeting activist
By: Manahil Ahmad
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... An alleged plot targeting a pro-Palestinian activist was disrupted by law enforcement in Hoboken on the night of March 26, [2026] authorities said, leading to at least one arrest and federal charges.
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Federal agents executed a search warrant near Willow Avenue and Clinton Street, where Alexander Heifier, 26, was taken into custody. He is charged with unlawful passion of destructive devices and making destructive devices, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey.
..... Prosecutors allege Heifer was involved in a plot to construct and use improvised incendiary devices targeting another individual's residence. he is scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court. The charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Authorities emphasized that the complaint contains allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
..... The intended target of the alleged plot was Nerdeen Kiswani, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist and co-founder of the advocacy group within Our Lifetime, which has organized demonstrations across Ne York City. Kiswani was not named in the U.S. attorney's Office statement but posted about in on her social media.
..... Kiswani said in a post on X that she had been informed by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force of a plot against her life that was "about to" take place. She alleged that, for months, "Zionist organizations like Betar and politicians like randy Fine have encouraged violence" against her and her family, adding that she would continue hr activism.
..... Hoboken Mayor Emily B. Jabbour sought to reassure residents following the incident, saying the city remains safe and that "at no point were residents in danger." She described the situation as a targeted federal investigation handed "swiftly and professionally."
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Jabour also praised the Hoboken Police Department, noting that local officers assisted federal authorities at the scene despite not being fully briefed on the operation, which she said is standard protocol in sensitive federal investigations.
..... As a precaution, the mayor said there will be an increased police presence in parts of the city in the coming days, including additional patrol in high-traffic and public gathering areas "to preside reassurance" and maintain visibility.
..... U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited the FBI's New York and Newark field office, the New York Police Department, ad Hoboken police for their roles in the investigation, which remains ongoing.
..... Authorities reiterated there is no ongoing threat to the public.