New Jersey's top federal prosecutor, Alina Habba, was the target of an attempted confrontation at her office this week, resulting in damaged property.
Incident Details and Official Response
According to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, an individual attempted to confront acting US Attorney Alina Habba at her Newark office on Wednesday night. The person destroyed property before fleeing the scene.
Bondi confirmed the incident in a post on X on Thursday 13 November 2025, stating, “Thankfully, Alina is ok.” She issued a strong warning, declaring, “Any violence or threats of violence against any federal officer will not be tolerated. Period.”
She added, “We will find this person, and the individual will be brought to justice.”
Habba's Defiance and FBI Investigation
In response to the event, Alina Habba took to her own X account with a defiant message: “I will not be intimidated by radical lunatics for doing my job.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed it is aware of the alleged attack. A message seeking further comment was left with Habba's office as the investigation continues.
Background of a Controversial Appointment
Alina Habba, who previously served as President Donald Trump's personal lawyer and a White House adviser, was named interim US attorney in March. Trump formally nominated her for the permanent role on 1 July, but the confirmation process was stalled by opposition from New Jersey's two Democratic US senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim.
When her 120-day interim appointment was expiring, federal judges in New Jersey moved to replace her with her second-in-command. In a subsequent controversial move, Attorney General Bondi fired that prosecutor and reinstated Habba as the acting US attorney.
The legality of her appointment is currently under scrutiny, with the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals having heard arguments in a challenge last month. A ruling is still pending.
