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A suspect has been arrested in the brazen attack on Alina Habba’s federal office in Newark, bringing some measure of relief after a frightening few days. Authorities identified the man as 51-year-old Keith Michael Lisa, who is now in custody facing federal charges related to the vandalism.
According to investigators, the suspect first attempted to enter the federal building with a bat, was turned away, and then returned later without the weapon before smashing and damaging property inside Habba’s office. Federal prosecutors say the charges include destruction of government property and possession of a dangerous weapon in a court facility, allegations that merit serious federal attention. This was not a harmless tantrum but a direct assault on the institutions that preserve order in this country.
Credit should go to the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security and state partners for moving quickly and working together to bring the suspect to justice. Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly praised that cooperation and underscored that threats and attacks on federal officials will not be tolerated. The FBI even put up a $25,000 reward to help track down the individual, a reminder that when law enforcement acts decisively, dangerous actors can be stopped.
Alina Habba herself addressed the ordeal on national television, describing the episode as frightening while also crediting her faith for steadying her during the aftermath. She made it clear she will not be intimidated in carrying out her duties, a welcome display of resolve from an official under attack for doing her job. Conservatives ought to applaud that backbone and refuse to normalize political violence as an acceptable tactic.
This incident is yet another symptom of a cultural rot where threats and intimidation against public servants have become increasingly common, and too many in the media and on the left reflexively cheer on anything that weakens opponents. There can be no equivocation: damaging a federal office and menacing a U.S. Attorney cannot be shrugged off as political expression. Law and order must mean something more than words when radicals decide to weaponize anger.
It’s also worth noting the political context: Habba served as a lawyer for President Trump and was later appointed as acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, a nomination that has been politically contested. Regardless of anyone’s view of her politics or past clients, the rule of law demands protection for prosecutors and federal personnel so they can carry out duties without fear of violence. Defending the office protects the system, not a person or party.
Now the work shifts to prosecutors and judges to see that the accused faces accountability, and to elected leaders to stop the rhetoric that fans these flames. Strengthening security at federal facilities and publicly repudiating political violence are basic commonsense steps that should unite Americans of all stripes. If this nation means to remain civilized, it must punish those who attack its institutions and recommit to protecting the people who enforce the law.
