New Jersey Man Arrested After Vandalism at US Attorney’s Office
In a swift resolution to last week’s incident at the Peter Rodino Federal Building in Newark, authorities have apprehended 51-year-old Keith Michael Lisa following a statewide manhunt. The Barnegat, New Jersey resident now faces serious federal charges for allegedly vandalizing US Attorney Alina Habba’s office. According to Justice Department officials, Lisa has been charged with possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and depredation of federal property. After his appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge José Almonte on Monday, he was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday, November 12, when Lisa allegedly entered the federal building shortly before 5 p.m. carrying a full-sized aluminum baseball bat. Security personnel informed him that the bat was prohibited and could not be brought into the building. Rather than abandoning his intentions, Lisa reportedly left briefly, only to return minutes later without the bat. Witnesses described him as visibly agitated, “mumbling as he went through security” before making his way to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Once inside, Lisa allegedly threatened to “tear the place up” before damaging framed items and other property in the reception area, prompting an immediate security response and subsequent investigation.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Lisa’s capture on social media Saturday, praising the collaborative effort that led to his arrest. “No one will get away with threatening or intimidating our great U.S. Attorneys or the destruction of their offices,” Bondi declared. The arrest came after Lisa allegedly went into hiding upon learning that law enforcement was searching for him. The FBI had previously issued a public alert identifying Lisa as the suspect, describing him as approximately 6-foot-3, weighing between 200 and 230 pounds, with known connections to New York City and Mahwah, New Jersey. The agency had warned that he “should be considered dangerous” and urged the public to report any information regarding his whereabouts.
The successful apprehension of Lisa resulted from what prosecutors described as a “coordinated, statewide effort” involving multiple agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Protective Service, New Jersey State Police, and local police departments in Mahwah and Barnegat. This collaborative approach culminated in Lisa’s arrest in the early morning hours of November 15, just days after the incident. The swift resolution demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities treated the attack on a federal facility and personnel, particularly in the current climate of heightened tensions surrounding public officials and law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba expressed her gratitude for the rapid response and successful conclusion to the manhunt, stating, “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. Now justice will handle him.” Her statement underscores the zero-tolerance approach that federal authorities are taking toward threats and violence directed at government officials and facilities. The incident comes at a time when concerns about politically motivated violence have been growing across the country, making the swift action in this case particularly notable.
While the motive behind Lisa’s alleged actions remains unclear from the available information, the case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public officials and the measures in place to protect government facilities. The charges against Lisa carry potentially significant penalties, reflecting the serious nature of attacks on federal property and threats to government personnel. As the case proceeds through the judicial system, it will likely serve as a reminder of the consequences faced by those who engage in such behavior. The incident also demonstrates the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in quickly identifying and apprehending suspects in cases involving federal facilities, a capability that continues to be essential in maintaining public safety and the rule of law.
