Lead: Law enforcement officials are seeking a man who appeared outside the Newark office of the acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey on Wednesday evening carrying a baseball bat, then returned without it and entered the building. After gaining access, the man went to the floor where Alina Habba’s office is located, smashed property and shouted incoherently before fleeing the scene. The U.S. attorney general, Pam Bondi, said Ms. Habba was not harmed. Authorities, including the F.B.I., have opened an inquiry and are pursuing his arrest.
Key Takeaways
- The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at the federal building in Newark that houses the U.S. Attorney’s Office; authorities were seeking the suspect as of Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.
- Security initially prevented the man from entering while he carried a baseball bat; he later returned without the bat and was permitted entry.
- Once inside, the individual proceeded to the floor with Ms. Habba’s office, damaged property and shouted; there are no confirmed injuries to Ms. Habba.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly said the man “destroyed property” and “then fled the scene,” and declared threats against federal officers unacceptable.
- The F.B.I. said it was aware of the appearance and would provide more information when possible; local law enforcement is leading the arrest effort.
- It is not yet established whether the man specifically intended to target Alina Habba; investigators have not confirmed motive or identity.
- The federal building also houses immigration and Social Security offices, and visitors initially need not specify their destination upon entry.
Background
Federal officials and security teams have for months been confronting a rise in attacks and threats against high-profile figures, including elected officials and government employees. The New Jersey incident comes amid a string of violent episodes cited by federal authorities: two attempts to assassinate former President Trump during the 2024 campaign, the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September, an arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s home in April, and a hammer attack on the husband of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. These episodes have intensified debate about protection for federal personnel and public political figures.
The Newark federal building where the incident unfolded contains multiple federal operations—an immigration court, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office and a Social Security office—creating a mixed-use public space. According to officials, visitors to the building do not have to state their intended destination when they first enter, a feature that complicates controlled access to individual suites and floors and has prompted renewed scrutiny of screening and escort procedures for sensitive offices.
Main Event
According to people with knowledge of the matter, a man arrived outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark on Wednesday evening carrying a baseball bat and was initially barred from entering with the item by building security. He left the premises and later returned without the bat, at which point security personnel allowed him into the federal building. After gaining access, the man went to the floor where Ms. Habba’s office is located.
Once on that floor, witnesses reported that the individual began yelling incoherently and smashed office property. It is not clear whether he made explicit threats against Ms. Habba or others. Law enforcement sources said Ms. Habba was not harmed and was not present in the immediate vicinity of the damage, but the episode prompted an immediate response and an investigation into possible criminal charges related to destruction of property and threats against federal personnel.
As of Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, officials said the man had fled and was being sought for arrest. The F.B.I. confirmed it was aware of the incident and would share additional information when available. Local investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, entry logs and witness statements to establish the suspect’s identity and motive, and to determine whether additional charges are warranted under federal law.
Analysis & Implications
The episode highlights vulnerabilities in visitor-management at multiuse federal buildings. When entry screening allows a person to gain general access without specifying a destination, an individual can move through common spaces and reach floors that contain sensitive offices. Security officials may need to reassess screening questions, badge issuance and escort requirements for areas that house federal prosecutors and other high-risk targets.
Politically, incidents like this can have chilling effects on federal employees and elected or appointed officials, prompting reassignment, heightened security and public debate over resource allocation. For Alina Habba, an acting U.S. attorney who has been prominent in politically charged prosecutions, the appearance of an armed visitor—whether targeted or opportunistic—could increase the security footprint around her office and affect scheduling and public-facing duties.
Legally, the suspect could face federal charges if prosecutors determine the conduct involved threats to a federal officer, destruction of federal property or other offenses that fall under federal jurisdiction. Even absent a confirmed threat, damaging property in a federal building typically triggers a law-enforcement response and potential criminal prosecution, and the presence of a weapon at entry can add weapons-related counts depending on the investigation’s findings.
Comparison & Data
| Reported Incident | When (as reported) | Target/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Two attempts to assassinate President Trump | 2024 presidential campaign | Attempts foiled; high-profile security alerts |
| Fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk | September | Target killed; national investigation |
| Arson at Pennsylvania governor’s home | April | Property damage; heightened gubernatorial security |
| Hammer attack on husband of Nancy Pelosi | Recent | Physical attack; criminal charges pursued |
| Newark federal building visit with bat | Wednesday evening (reported Nov. 13, 2025) | Property smashed; suspect fled and is sought |
The table above catalogs recent incidents cited by officials and media as part of an uptick in attacks or threats against public figures. While not exhaustive, the sequence shows a pattern of diverse tactics—fire, firearms, blunt instruments and in-person disturbances—prompting calls for targeted security reviews across jurisdictions.
Reactions & Quotes
“Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period,”
Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General (social media post)
Bondi also stated that the man had “destroyed property” and later fled the scene, and emphasized that Ms. Habba was not harmed. Separately, an F.B.I. spokeswoman said the agency was aware of the man’s appearance and would share information as the inquiry proceeds.
“The agency is aware of the man’s appearance and will provide more information when possible,”
F.B.I. spokeswoman (statement to media)
Community reaction has included concern from local staff and federal employees who use the Newark building regularly; officials say steps are being taken to review access policies and increase monitoring while the investigation continues.
Unconfirmed
- Whether the man specifically intended to target Alina Habba remains unconfirmed; investigators have not attributed motive.
- The suspect’s identity and any connection to political groups or prior incidents have not been publicly established.
- It is not confirmed whether the individual made specific verbal threats aimed at Ms. Habba or other federal employees during the episode.
Bottom Line
This incident in Newark underscores growing concerns about the safety of federal officials and the challenges of securing mixed-use federal buildings. A man who initially approached with a baseball bat was later allowed entry without the bat, proceeded to the floor housing Alina Habba’s office, damaged property and fled; authorities are seeking his arrest and have opened an investigation.
Short-term effects likely include heightened security measures at the Newark building and reviews of visitor screening procedures. Longer term, the event feeds into a broader national discussion about protecting public servants and maintaining open access to government facilities while minimizing risks—a balance that will demand policy, procedural and possibly legislative attention.
Sources
- The New York Times (major U.S. newspaper)