US Army veteran sets fire, launches fireworks, fires airsoft rifle outside NYC federal building

A US Army veteran was taken into custody on Monday after allegedly setting a fire, launching fireworks and firing an airsoft rifle outside New York City's 26 Federal Plaza, a federal building that houses the FBI, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an immigration court and several other government agencies. Authorities identified the suspect as Andrew Arrabaca, 43, who allegedly arrived at an employee entrance at 26 Federal Plaza shortly before 9 am, pushing a cart bearing a sign that read "ICE off our streets," CNN reported. According to the FBI, he ignited a flammable liquid outside the building, set off fireworks and fired five to seven airsoft pellets before federal agents and NYPD officers tackled and arrested him. Fox News reported that Arrabaca shouted anti-ICE and anti-government slogans during his arrest.

Three injured; suspect allegedly prepared for a larger attack

Three people sustained minor injuries during the incident, including two federal employees and one civilian, officials said. All were treated and released. Investigators recovered two airsoft rifles, six incendiary devices, two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives from the suspect, according to authorities. FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle Jr. alleged that Arrabaca admitted he was targeting the building and "was okay if he hurt or killed people going in and out of the building, whether they were federal employees or civilians," according to CNN. Barnacle described the suspect as someone who "came armed with bad intentions," adding that 26 Federal Plaza "has long been a target of extremists and terrorists," Fox News reported.

Videos on social media capture flames, smoke

Videos circulating on social media showed flames burning outside the federal building, with what appeared to be fireworks exploding after an object was thrown into the fire. Separate footage showed law enforcement officers emerging through thick smoke as they responded to the incident. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the entire episode was captured on NYPD surveillance cameras. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.

Former soldier served in Army for four years

Authorities said Arrabaca served in the US Army from 2001 to 2005 as a mechanic on Patriot missile systems. Officials said he had travelled into Manhattan overnight before reaching the federal complex early Monday morning. No criminal charges had been formally announced as of Monday afternoon.

Mamdani condemns attack, pledges support for investigation

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack, saying he was relieved no one was seriously injured. "What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing. I'm relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody," Mamdani said in a post on X, adding that his administration would support the federal investigation and "hold accountable any who threaten" public safety, according to Fox News. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also praised law enforcement for quickly apprehending the suspect, saying acts of violence "have no place" in New York City.