NEW YORK (VINnews) — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said Friday that New York City will not tolerate political violence following an alleged plot targeting Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani, according to the mayor.

In a statement, Mamdani said authorities arrested Alexander Heifler in a weekslong undercover counterterrorism operation led by the New York City Police Department with assistance from federal partners.

Mamdani said the alleged plot involved plans to target Kiswani’s home.

He added in a statement:

Last night, an alleged member of the Jewish Defense League—designated by the FBI as a "known violent extremist organization"—attempted to blow up the home of Nerdeen Kiswani in a chilling act of political violence and an apparent assassination plot. The defendant allegedly… https://t.co/OSMIlKysRR

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 27, 2026

“Last night, an alleged member of the Jewish Defense League—designated by the FBI as a ‘known violent extremist organization’—attempted to blow up the home of Nerdeen Kiswani in a chilling act of political violence and an apparent assassination plot. The defendant allegedly planned to flee to Israel following the attack.

This comes amidst an alarming rise in threats and violence across the country targeting Palestinian human rights advocates.

I am thankful that the NYPD and FBI thwarted this plot, which could have endangered Nerdeen’s life and those of other New Yorkers.

Let me be clear: We will not tolerate violent extremism in our city. No one should face violence for their political beliefs or their advocacy. I am relieved that Nerdeen is safe.

Our city must meet hate with solidarity, and meet fear with an unshakable commitment to justice and to one another.”

The arrest followed an investigation in which an undercover detective infiltrated an online chat used by Heifler, according to court papers and officials.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.

Nerdeen Kiswani was informed by authorities that a threat against her had been disrupted.