NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Federal authorities have arrested Keith Michael Lisa, 51, following allegations that he committed acts of property destruction while attempting to confront Alina Habba, New Jersey's top federal prosecutor. The FBI confirmed the arrest, though specifics regarding the date and location of the apprehension, potential charges, or Lisa's legal representation have not yet been disclosed.
The FBI had issued a notice on Friday, offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to Lisa's capture. He was wanted on charges of destroying government property and possession of a dangerous weapon within a U.S. court facility. The bulletin detailed an incident where Lisa tried to enter a federal office building in downtown Newark with a bat but was turned away. He later returned without the bat and gained access to the building, ultimately going to the U.S. Attorney's office, where he allegedly destroyed property.
In response to Lisa's actions, Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed that both the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, along with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, collaborated on his arrest. Bondi underscored the importance of protecting U.S. attorneys and their offices, stating that threats or destruction would not be tolerated.
Alina Habba, who previously served as former President Donald Trump's personal lawyer and acted as his spokesperson on legal issues, was appointed as New Jersey's interim U.S. attorney in March. Despite her nomination by Trump to the permanent post on July 1, her confirmation faced opposition from the state's two Democratic U.S. senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, which has delayed the process.
During a turbulent time regarding her appointment, New Jersey federal judges attempted to replace Habba with her second-in-command. However, Bondi intervened, terminating that prosecutor's position and reinstating Habba as the acting U.S. attorney.
As of last month, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was engaged in reviewing a case that questioned Habba's appointment, but a ruling has yet to be issued. Following Lisa's arrest, Habba took to social media to express gratitude toward federal partners for their efforts in apprehending him, affirming the commitment of the Justice Department to handle acts of intimidation and violence against law enforcement.
Bondi reiterated her stance on the seriousness of any threats or acts of violence directed toward federal officials, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach for such behavior. The situation reflects heightened concerns for the safety and security of legal authorities amid ongoing tensions surrounding their activities and roles.
The developments surrounding the arrest of Keith Michael Lisa and the ongoing challenges faced by Alina Habba underscore the complexities within federal legal processes and the robust measures taken to ensure the safety and integrity of the judicial system. As investigations and legal proceedings continue, the implications of this incident may resonate beyond Newark, drawing attention to the broader issues of intimidation and violence against legal personnel across the country.
