Federal officials say a man is now in custody following a disruptive incident at the New Jersey office of Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba — an episode that has raised fresh concerns over threats targeting federal law-enforcement personnel.

The confrontation reportedly occurred on Wednesday when an individual attempted to reach Habba at the Peter W. Rodino Federal Building in Newark. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the person forced their way into the area near Habba’s office, damaged property, and quickly fled. In a post on X, Bondi described the incident as a “serious attack” on a federal workplace, noting that Habba was unharmed.

Federal authorities later identified the suspect as 51-year-old Keith Michael Lisa, who the FBI says made multiple attempts to enter the building on the day of the incident. Investigators allege he first arrived carrying a baseball bat and was denied entry by security. He later returned without the weapon and gained access to the floor where Habba’s office is located. Once inside, officials say he vandalized federal property before escaping.

The FBI launched a search Thursday and announced that Lisa was wanted on charges including possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and depredation of federal property. A federal warrant was subsequently issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

By Saturday morning, Bondi confirmed that Lisa had been taken into custody with assistance from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. “No one will get away with threatening or intimidating our U.S. Attorneys,” she wrote on X. “This behavior will be met with swift consequences.”

Authorities have described Lisa as a New York–connected individual with ties to Mahwah, New Jersey, and warned that he “should be considered dangerous” during the manhunt. Surveillance images released Friday showed him inside the building during the alleged vandalism.

Although she was not present when the confrontation occurred, Habba issued a statement saying she has no intention of backing down. “I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job,” she said.

Habba, a former legal and political adviser to President Donald Trump, assumed the role of Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey in March 2025. The Justice Department notes she oversees all federal criminal prosecutions and civil matters involving the government across offices in Newark, Camden, and Trenton, managing roughly 155 prosecutors and 130 support personnel.

The incident has renewed broader conversations about rising hostility toward federal officials nationwide. Bondi characterized the episode as part of a growing pattern in which law-enforcement officers face escalating threats. “Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated — period,” she wrote.

Federal investigators have not yet disclosed what may have motivated the suspect’s actions. The inquiry remains ongoing, and it is unclear whether additional charges will be filed.

FAQ

1. Was Alina Habba hurt during the incident?
No. Officials confirmed she was not in the office at the time and was unharmed.

2. Who is the suspect?
The FBI identified the suspect as Keith Michael Lisa, age 51, with ties to New Jersey and New York.

3. What charges does the suspect face?
He is charged with possessing a dangerous weapon in a federal facility and damaging federal property.

4. Is there evidence of a political motivation?
Authorities have not provided details about the motive.

5. What is Alina Habba’s role?
She is the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, responsible for federal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the government.