FBI arrests suspect in attack on US Attorney Alina Habba’s office
In a significant development, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of Keith Michael Lisa, the suspect linked to the recent attack on U.S. Attorney Alina Habba’s office in Newark, New Jersey. The FBI had identified Lisa as the perpetrator, who allegedly entered the Peter W. Rodino Federal Building on November 12, 2025, armed with a bat. After being denied entry, he discarded the weapon but later returned to the building, where he caused damage to government property in Habba’s office before fleeing the scene. A federal arrest warrant was issued for him, charging Lisa with possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and depredation of federal property. Bondi expressed gratitude to the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations for their swift actions in apprehending the suspect, emphasizing that threats against U.S. Attorneys and their offices will not be tolerated.
The incident has raised concerns about the rising trend of violence and intimidation directed at law enforcement officials. Bondi highlighted the seriousness of such threats, stating, “Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated.” Habba, reflecting on the attack, affirmed her commitment to her role, stating, “I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job.” The FBI has classified Lisa as dangerous, with ties to both New York City and Mahwah, New Jersey, and noted the coordinated efforts of federal law enforcement in addressing these threats. FBI Director Kash Patel reiterated the message that attacks on U.S. Attorneys are attacks on the rule of law, vowing a robust response to such incidents.
As the Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Habba oversees all federal criminal prosecutions and civil matters in the state, managing a team of approximately 155 federal prosecutors and 130 support personnel. This incident underscores the vital role that U.S. Attorneys play in maintaining the integrity of the legal system, as well as the challenges they face in an increasingly hostile environment. The swift response from law enforcement agencies in this case serves as a reminder of their commitment to protecting those who uphold the law and ensuring that justice prevails.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Saturday that the suspect wanted in connection with the attack on U.S. Attorney
Alina Habba’s
office in New Jersey this week has been taken into custody.
The FBI had identified the suspect Friday night as Keith Michael Lisa.Â
Bondi said in an X post on Saturday morning that, thanks to the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations, the suspect wanted in the attack on Habba’s office “is now in custody.”
“No one will get away with threatening or intimidating our great U.S. Attorneys or the destruction of their offices,” Bondi wrote.
DOJ SEEKING SUSPECT AFTER ATTACK ON US ATTORNEY ALINA HABBA’S OFFICE
“We got him. This Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi and our federal partners will not tolerate any acts of intimidation or violence toward law enforcement,” Habba wrote on X on Saturday in reaction to the arrest. “Now justice will handle him.”
The FBI said Lisa was wanted for allegedly entering the Peter W. Rodino Federal Building in Newark, New Jersey, on Nov. 12, 2025, while in possession of a bat.
“After being denied entry, he discarded the bat and returned,” the FBI said. “Once inside the building, he proceeded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office where he damaged government property.”
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Lisa on Thursday in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark after he was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and depredation of federal property, the FBI added.
“Today’s arrest shows what coordinated federal law enforcement can do. Threats against our U.S. Attorneys aren’t just attacks on individuals, they’re attacks on the rule of law. And we will respond every time,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X.Â
Bondi had announced Thursday that an individual had attempted to
confront Habba
on Wednesday night, “destroyed property in her office” and then “fled the scene.’
“Thankfully, Alina is ok,”
Bondi added.
“Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period. This is unfortunately becoming a trend as radicals continue to attack law enforcement agents around the country.”
Habba said following the incident, “I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job.”
Lisa, 51, was described by authorities as being around 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing between 200 and 230 pounds.
HABBA: JUSTICE DEPARTMENT MOVED ‘SWIFTLY AND DECISIVELY’ TO STOP ISIS-LINKED HALLOWEEN TERROR PLOT TARGETING JEWS
The FBI said Lisa has ties to New York City and Mahwah, N.J., and “should be considered dangerous.”
On its website, the
Justice Department
said that as Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General, Habba “is responsible for overseeing all federal criminal prosecutions and the litigation of all civil matters in New Jersey in which the federal government has an interest.”
“Including the offices in Newark, Camden, and Trenton, Ms. Habba supervises a staff of approximately 155 federal prosecutors and approximately 130 support personnel,” the Justice Department said.
