U.S. Authorities Probe Death Threats Against Israeli Consul After Suspect Traced to Turkey

NEW YORK — New York police have identified a Turkish national accused of sending explicit death threats to Israel’s consul general in New York, including messages stating that killing him would take “one minute with a single bullet,” according to law-enforcement officials.

The incident was first reported by Ynet News.

The suspect, identified as Amra Melek, a Turkish citizen holding a U.S. visa, allegedly sent a series of threatening messages to Ofir Akunis, warning him to “watch his words” and threatening to kill him if he continued speaking critically about Turkey.

According to investigators, the suspect is currently located in Turkey. Information about his identity and the threatening communications has been forwarded to U.S. authorities. At this stage, he has not been arrested.

Law-enforcement sources said the messages contained direct and escalating threats. In one exchange, Melek wrote that “saying bad things about my country will lead to your end,” adding that killing Akunis would take “one minute with one bullet.” When Akunis replied, “Really? Is that a warning?” the suspect responded: “Interpret it however you want. If you continue like this, I will destroy you.”

The suspect also included ideological and nationalistic claims in his messages, asserting that Turkey had protected Jews during the Ottoman era and claiming that Israelis “owe gratitude” to Turkey — statements investigators said were delivered alongside explicit threats of violence.

Authorities said U.S. officials view threats against foreign diplomats as serious federal offenses, particularly when motivated by political or nationalist ideology. Investigators noted that the United States and Turkey maintain an extradition agreement should prosecutors pursue further legal action.

Israeli security officials and the FBI have been briefed on the case, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

In a statement, the Israeli Consulate in New York said it has full confidence in Israeli and American security services and their commitment to protecting the consul general and consulate staff.

“Threats and incitement will not deter the consul general from representing the positions of the State of Israel and the Jewish people, even in the face of the most hostile elements,” the statement said.