Federal authorities announced Friday that a man accused of attempting to confront Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and allegedly damaging property inside her New Jersey office has been taken into custody. According to officials, the suspect — identified as Keith Michael Lisa, who has ties to both New Jersey and New York City — was arrested following a multi-agency effort.
In a statement posted on X, Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the rapid coordination between federal law enforcement agencies.
“Thanks to the great work of @FBI, @USMarshalsHQ, and @HSI_HQ, the suspect wanted in the attack on @USAttyHabba’s office is now in custody,” Bondi said. “No one will get away with threatening or intimidating our great U.S. Attorneys or the destruction of their offices.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added that threats against federal prosecutors are taken extremely seriously.
“Threats against our U.S. Attorneys aren’t just attacks on individuals — they’re attacks on the rule of law,” Patel said. “And we will respond every time.”
What Officials Say Happened
According to the Justice Department, Lisa allegedly entered the federal office building earlier in the week carrying a baseball bat and attempted to gain access to Habba’s office. Officials say he was denied entry by security.
A short time later, Lisa allegedly returned without the bat and made his way to the floor where Habba’s office is located, apparently in an attempt to “confront” the acting U.S. attorney, according to Bondi.
“Last night, an individual attempted to confront one of our U.S. Attorneys — my dear friend @USAttyHabba — destroyed property in her office, and then fled the scene,” Bondi said earlier in the week before the arrest was made. “Thankfully, Alina is OK. Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period.”
Bondi vowed that the Justice Department would use “every legal tool available” to identify the suspect and ensure accountability.
Habba Responds: ‘I Will Not Be Intimidated’
Habba, a longtime Trump ally who previously served as one of his personal attorneys before joining the Justice Department, issued her own statement on X following the incident.
“I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job,” she wrote, thanking federal officers for their quick response.
Habba was appointed as the lead federal prosecutor for the District of New Jersey after serving briefly in the Trump White House and participating in several of the former president’s legal battles.
The Incident Comes Amid High-Profile Federal Case
Habba is currently overseeing the Justice Department’s case against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), who prosecutors allege struck federal officers during a heated confrontation earlier this year. The charges stem from a chaotic incident at the Delaney Hall immigrant detention facility in Newark.
McIver has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 17 years in prison if convicted. Her attorneys argue the prosecution is politically motivated and violates the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause. Prosecutors reject that characterization, saying video evidence shows McIver physically pushing and striking an ICE agent.
A federal judge ruled Thursday that the case can proceed.
Judge Orders DHS to Remove Several Public Posts
Another twist emerged this week when Biden-appointed U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper ordered the Department of Homeland Security to remove several social media posts related to McIver’s case.
Following the May incident at the detention center, DHS issued statements and shared multiple posts on X criticizing McIver and other Democratic lawmakers involved in the confrontation.
McIver’s legal team argued that the comments constituted “extrajudicial statements” that could prejudice the case, citing eight DHS posts and one official press release. The defense requested the materials be removed pending trial.
According to a filing submitted by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, DHS complied with the order.
“As of this afternoon, the posts referenced in Defense Exhibits N through U have been removed,” Blanche wrote. He added, however, that one additional post — shared by a journalist — could not be taken down because it was not controlled by the government.
Growing Security Concerns for U.S. Attorneys
The alleged attempt to confront Habba highlights growing concerns about threats against federal prosecutors, especially those involved in politically charged cases.
Since taking office, Habba has overseen several high-profile investigations, including matters involving immigration enforcement, public corruption, and alleged obstruction of federal officers. Federal officials say attacks, threats, or intimidation attempts have risen sharply in recent years — a trend they warn could undermine the functioning of the legal system.
Bondi emphasized that the Justice Department will aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to harm or intimidate federal personnel.
“This Department will use every legal tool available to ensure their safety and hold violent offenders fully accountable,” she said.
Who Is Keith Michael Lisa?
Officials have released limited information about Lisa, the suspect. Law enforcement sources say he has connections to both New Jersey and New York City. The Justice Department has not yet disclosed a possible motive, and the affidavit detailing the charges has not been fully unsealed.
Authorities indicated more information will be released in the coming days, pending additional investigation and court proceedings.
McIver’s Case Continues to Spark Political Tension
As for the underlying case against Rep. McIver, the confrontation at the Newark detention facility remains a flashpoint between Republicans and Democrats.
The incident occurred when several Democratic lawmakers — including McIver — attempted to enter Delaney Hall during a congressional visit. Prosecutors allege that when federal officials attempted to redirect or restrain the group, McIver used her arms to push and strike an ICE officer.
Video footage has circulated widely, though McIver’s defense team maintains that the actions occurred in the context of a constitutionally protected oversight visit and were grossly exaggerated.
The congresswoman and her allies say the prosecution is politically charged, pointing out that DHS itself initially posted commentary that they claim showed bias. The district judge’s order to remove those posts appears to acknowledge at least the potential for prejudicial public statements.
What Comes Next
Lisa is expected to make his initial court appearance soon, and the Justice Department is preparing to release additional details.
Meanwhile:
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The McIver case continues to move toward trial.
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DHS has been ordered to restrict further public commentary.
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Security for federal prosecutors is expected to tighten.
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Habba says she will not back down from her duties.
Federal officials stress that the safety of public servants remains a top priority and that intimidation attempts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
