Nerdeen Kiswani is a Palestinian‑American pro‑Palestinian activist and organiser who recently found herself at the centre of an alleged assassination plot that was stopped by US law enforcement.
Kiswani is the co‑founder and chair of Within Our Lifetime, a pro‑Palestinian activist group based in New York City. She has been an outspoken organiser of protests and demonstrations in support of Palestinian rights, particularly since the recent Gaza conflict. Her activism has made her one of the most visible figures in the US pro‑Palestine movement.
The alleged plot against Kiswani was uncovered earlier this week when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the New York Police Department (NYPD) disrupted what authorities described as an imminent attempt on her life.
A 26‑year‑old man, identified as Alexander Heifler of Hoboken, New Jersey, was arrested after being found with multiple Molotov cocktails and materials used to make them.
Officials said the suspect had discussed plans to target Kiswani’s Staten Island home with incendiary devices. The plot was thwarted after an undercover NYPD detective infiltrated a group chat where the suspect had shared details of his intentions, leading to the arrest and disruption of the planned attack.
The FBI told Kiswani and her lawyer on Thursday that agents had information that a threat to her life was “about to” take place, though authorities did not immediately disclose a motive.
The NYPD’s Racially and Ethnically Motivated Extremism unit was credited with identifying and stopping the attack before it could be carried out. City officials, including New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, condemned the planned attack and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting residents and political advocates.
Kiswani has been involved in numerous protests and legal actions related to policing and political expression in New York. She said she plans to continue her activism despite the threat. Her group, Within Our Lifetime, has played a prominent role in demonstrations and civil rights actions related to US foreign policy and Palestinian rights.
Authorities charged Heifler with federal offences including unlawfully making and possessing destructive devices, which could carry significant prison time if he is convicted.
