Federal authorities have arrested a man accused of ransacking the office of Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, following a days-long manhunt. The suspect, Keith Michael Lisa, allegedly wielded a baseball bat during the incident on Wednesday before being captured on Saturday.
On Wednesday, Lisa attempted to enter Habba’s office in Newark with a baseball bat but was turned away by security. He later returned without the bat and proceeded to smash property in the waiting area, shouting incoherently before fleeing the scene. The destruction included furniture and other federal property, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
The FBI launched an intensive search, issuing a bulletin that described Lisa as dangerous and offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The wanted poster included his photo and warned the public not to approach him due to the potential threat. This effort involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service, who coordinated to track down the suspect.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest on Saturday, stating on social media that “no one will get away with threatening or intimidating our great US Attorneys or the destruction of their offices.” Her declaration highlighted the Justice Department’s firm stance against violence targeting federal officials and underscored the seriousness with which such incidents are treated.
Habba, who previously served as former President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, responded to the arrest by posting “We got him” on her social media account. She expressed gratitude to the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their efforts in apprehending the suspect. Habba added that “justice will handle him,” signaling the next steps in the legal process.
Lisa is facing federal charges including possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and depredation of federal property. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the attack, leaving it unclear whether he was specifically targeting Habba or the office in general. The lack of a clear motive adds complexity to the case as authorities continue their probe.
The incident occurs amid ongoing political tensions in the United States, where public figures have faced increased threats and violence. Habba’s role itself is contentious, as a federal judge ruled she is serving without lawful authority due to the lack of Senate confirmation, a matter currently under appeal. Her tenure has included investigations into Democratic officials, fueling partisan disputes.
This arrest may prompt reviews of security measures at federal buildings and reinforce discussions on the safety of government officials. The case will now move through the judicial system, with prosecutors preparing to formally charge Lisa as the legal process unfolds, potentially setting precedents for handling similar threats in the future.
