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California man arrested after alleged attack on New Jersey US Attorney's office
A California man accused of vandalizing the office of New Jersey's acting US Attorney has been arrested following a multi-day manhunt, federal authorities confirmed Saturday.
Incident details and arrest
Keith Michael Lisa, 48, allegedly attempted to enter the Newark office of Acting US Attorney Alina Habba on Wednesday while carrying a baseball bat, according to an FBI statement. After being denied entry, he returned without the weapon and destroyed federal property in the waiting area before fleeing, the bureau said.
The FBI had issued a bulletin labeling Lisa as "dangerous" and offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture. A wanted poster indicated he would face charges of possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and depredation of federal property.
Official reactions
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest on X, stating, "No one will get away with threatening or intimidating our great US Attorneys or the destruction of their offices."
"We got him," Habba posted on X, thanking the FBI and US Marshals. "Now justice will handle him."
Investigators have not disclosed a motive for the attack. Habba, a former personal attorney to Donald Trump, was appointed acting US Attorney in March after her Senate nomination was withdrawn. A federal judge ruled in August that her tenure violates confirmation requirements, a decision now under appeal.
Political context
Habba's tenure has been marked by controversy. Since taking office, she has pursued assault charges against a Democratic congressman and launched investigations into New Jersey's Democratic governor and attorney general, drawing criticism from opposition lawmakers.
Next steps
Lisa is expected to appear in federal court in Newark, though a date has not yet been set. The appeals court reviewing Habba's appointment has not indicated when it will issue a ruling.
