FBI foils imminent assassination plot against high-profile pro-Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani: Report

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Nerdeen Kiswani, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist in New York. (Nerdeen Kiswani/X)Federal law enforcement agencies foiled an alleged plot to assassinate Nerdeen Kiswani, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist, in New York on Thursday night, according to a federal law enforcement official and the activist’s lawyer, The New York Times reported.Nerdeen Kiswani was informed late Thursday by the FBI that one or more arrests had been made in connection with what authorities described as an imminent threat to her life. Her lawyer said investigators did not identify the suspects or disclose a possible motive.A federal law enforcement official based in New Jersey confirmed that a plot targeting Kiswani had been disrupted but declined to provide further details. The New York Police Department and the FBI conducted a search in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Thursday and made at least one arrest linked to the investigation, according to a person familiar with the matter. Charges were expected to be announced later on Friday.“The F.B.I. conducted court-authorized law enforcement activity in the vicinity of Willow Avenue and Clinton Street in Hoboken, N.J.,” the FBI’s New York office said in a statement Friday. “The investigation remains ongoing and no additional details can be provided at this time.”In a statement to NYT, Kiswani said FBI agents told her Thursday night that “a plot against my life was ‘about to’ take place”.She added, “I will have more to say as additional details come to light. I will not stop speaking up for the people of Palestine. Thank you for your support.”Late last night the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force informed me that a plot against my life that was “about to” take place, and that agents had conducted an operation in Hoboken related to this plot. For months, Zionist organizations like Betar and politicians like Randy Fine have…— Nerdeen Kiswani (@NerdeenKiswani) March 27, 2026 Kiswani, 31, co-founded the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime, which has organised numerous demonstrations highlighting Palestinian suffering during Israel’s war in Gaza. The group has drawn attention in New York for its confrontational rhetoric and disruptive protests, including one that prompted authorities to shut down Grand Central Terminal.WOL routes its funding through Wespac, a Westchester nonprofit, via a fiscal sponsorship arrangement. After October 7, 2023, WOL allegedly endorsed the Hamas attack on Instagram. Meta permanently removed their accounts in February 2024 for violating its “Dangerous Organizations & Individuals policy.”Story continues below this adIn 2026, Kiswani filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Betar USA, a right-wing Zionist group, alleging harassment and threats, The Times of Israel reported. She has no role in Mayor Mamdani’s administration, despite repeated claims to the contrary.The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd