Suspect Arrested in NJ Attack on Office of U.S. Attorney Alina Habba Following Coordinated Federal Manhunt

By: Tzirel Rosenblatt – Jewish Voice News

Federal authorities announced the arrest of Keith Michael Lisa, the suspect accused of attacking the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark, New Jersey, where U.S. Attorney Alina Habba serves as acting federal prosecutor. The dramatic apprehension, confirmed early Saturday morning, followed an intensive multiday manhunt coordinated between the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, according to a report on Saturday at Fox News Digital.

The suspect, Lisa, 51, was taken into custody less than 48 hours after the FBI publicly identified him as the individual responsible for entering the Peter W. Rodino Federal Building in Newark armed with a baseball bat on November 12, 2025. Authorities said that after being initially denied entry, Lisa returned, forcibly gained access to the premises, and proceeded to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he allegedly damaged federal property in a targeted act of intimidation.

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrest in an announcement posted on X (formerly Twitter) Saturday morning.

“Thanks to the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, the suspect wanted in the attack on Alina Habba’s office is now in custody,” Bondi stated, according to the Fox News Digital report.

In the same post, Bondi vowed that her office would not allow any threats or acts of violence against federal prosecutors or government personnel to go unanswered.

“No one will get away with threatening or intimidating our great U.S. Attorneys or the destruction of their offices,” Bondi wrote.

The Fox News Digital report noted that the arrest marks the latest in a series of high-profile law enforcement operations aimed at combating the growing trend of attacks on federal officials and public institutions across the United States.

U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, who has overseen several high-profile federal prosecutions since her appointment as Special Attorney to the U.S. Attorney General, responded to the arrest with a statement of defiance and gratitude.

Posting on X shortly after Bondi’s announcement, Habba praised the Justice Department and its partners for their swift action, emphasizing that the attack would not deter her from fulfilling her duties.

“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. “Now justice will handle him.”

According to the information provided in the Fox News Digital report, Habba had already issued a statement on Thursday evening after the incident, declaring, “I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job.”

The Justice Department’s website describes Habba’s role as encompassing supervision of all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation in which the U.S. government has an interest within New Jersey. Her office oversees operations across Newark, Camden, and Trenton, managing approximately 155 federal prosecutors and 130 support personnel.

As detailed in the Fox News Digital report, the FBI issued an official statement describing the sequence of events that led to the confrontation.

Lisa allegedly arrived at the Peter W. Rodino Federal Building on November 12 carrying a baseball bat. After being refused entry, he abandoned the weapon, returned to the building, and gained access to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he proceeded to damage government property.

The FBI’s Newark Field Office launched an immediate investigation, supported by federal protective services and local law enforcement. A federal arrest warrant was issued the following day by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Lisa was charged with two federal offenses: Possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility, and depredation of federal property, a charge that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years depending on the extent of damages and the intent behind the act.

According to the information contained in the Fox News Digital report, the FBI described Lisa as approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing between 200 and 230 pounds, warning that he “should be considered dangerous.” Authorities also confirmed that Lisa had known ties to New York City and Mahwah, New Jersey.

FBI Director Kash Patel applauded the rapid collaboration between federal agencies that led to Lisa’s arrest.

“Today’s arrest shows what coordinated federal law enforcement can do,” Patel said in a statement cited in the Fox News Digital report. “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.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi also emphasized the broader significance of the case, describing the incident as part of a growing national concern regarding the safety of prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers.

Speaking to reporters, Bondi reaffirmed the Justice Department’s position: “Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period,” she said. “This is unfortunately becoming a trend as radicals continue to attack law enforcement agents around the country.”

Fox News Digital reported that the attack on Habba’s office is one of several recent security incidents targeting federal facilities in major metropolitan areas. In response, federal authorities are reviewing access protocols, security screening measures, and protective arrangements for U.S. Attorneys and their staff.

The Peter W. Rodino Federal Building, which houses multiple federal agencies, has been subject to heightened security procedures since the attack. Federal Protective Service officers have reportedly increased patrols and implemented stricter visitor screening procedures.

The FBI, according to the Fox News Digital report, is also investigating whether Lisa acted alone or was connected to any organized group. Preliminary findings suggest he was a “lone actor,” though his motive remains under investigation.

Following the arrest, federal investigators are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of Lisa’s background, including digital communications, travel history, and financial records. Authorities will also examine potential connections to online extremist activity, given the recent uptick in politically motivated threats against federal offices.

Fox News Digital reported that forensic teams have been deployed to the Newark federal building to assess property damage and collect evidence from the scene. Officials said the destruction was “substantial but localized,” and no injuries were reported.

The FBI confirmed that Lisa will face an initial court appearance in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey early next week, where prosecutors will request that he be held without bail pending trial due to the severity of the charges and the risk of flight.

In the wake of the incident, Fox News Digital reported that Habba convened a meeting with her senior staff to review new security protocols and reassure employees that operations would continue uninterrupted.

In an internal memo shared with Justice Department officials, Habba wrote: “We will not yield to fear. The work we do here — upholding the law and defending justice — must continue. Our office stands strong, and we are grateful to every agent, officer, and prosecutor who helped ensure our safety.”

According to the Fox News Digital report, Habba’s staff expressed gratitude for the swift federal response, with several colleagues describing her as “resilient, fearless, and committed to her duties.”

The Justice Department has recently increased its focus on threats against prosecutors and public officials, as violent rhetoric and incidents targeting government figures have risen sharply nationwide.

The Fox News Digital report cited law enforcement sources who noted that while isolated, such acts reflect a troubling pattern of hostility toward institutions of law and governance. Federal agencies have been instructed to remain on “heightened alert” and to reinforce security at sensitive government locations.

Attorney General Bondi concluded her remarks with a message of unity and resolve, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to protecting its personnel: “We have the best law enforcement agencies in the world,” she said. “When you attack a U.S. Attorney, you attack the Constitution and the justice system itself. And the response will always be swift, coordinated, and uncompromising.”

The Justice Department has not yet released details regarding Lisa’s motive or whether additional charges will be pursued. The investigation remains ongoing.

In the meantime, Alina Habba has returned to work at the Newark office, where repairs are underway to restore the damaged sections. Federal officials have confirmed that security enhancements are being implemented to prevent future breaches.

With the suspect now in custody, authorities say the incident underscores both the persistence of threats against public officials and the determination of federal law enforcement to respond decisively. “Justice,” as Habba herself wrote following the arrest, “will handle him.”