A tense statewide manhunt concluded over the weekend with the arrest of a New Jersey man accused of a brazen act of vandalism within a federal building. Keith Michael Lisa, 51, of Barnegat, now faces federal charges following the incident at the Newark office of U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
The disruption unfolded last Wednesday, November 12th, shortly before 5:00 p.m. Lisa entered the Peter Rodino Federal Building armed with a full-sized aluminum baseball bat, initially seeking access to the Attorney General’s Office. Security immediately intervened, rightfully identifying the bat as a prohibited weapon.
Lisa briefly left the building, but returned minutes later without the bat, reportedly exhibiting visible anger. Witnesses described him muttering to himself as he passed through security a second time, a prelude to the chaos that followed.
Once inside, authorities allege Lisa escalated his behavior, issuing threats to “tear the place up” before physically damaging the U.S. Attorney’s Office reception area. Framed items were knocked from the walls, and property was deliberately damaged in a shocking display of aggression.
Following the incident, Lisa evaded capture, prompting a massive, coordinated effort from multiple law enforcement agencies. The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and several state and local departments joined the search.
Investigators described Lisa as approximately 6-foot-3 and weighing between 200 and 230 pounds, with known connections to both New York City and Mahwah, New Jersey. Authorities warned the public he should be considered dangerous, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The intensive search culminated in Lisa’s arrest in the early morning hours of November 15th. The capture required a unified, statewide response, demonstrating the commitment to apprehending those who threaten federal property and personnel.
The swift action of law enforcement was met with praise, with officials emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards intimidation and violence directed at U.S. Attorneys and their offices. The case now moves forward, leaving justice to take its course.
