Federal law enforcement authorities apprehended a man Monday morning after he ignited a makeshift firework mechanism at the main entrance of a government facility in Lower Manhattan.
The early morning disturbance occurred roughly at 8:30 a.m. near 26 Federal Plaza, a high-security complex that contains immigration courtrooms, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, and regional federal law enforcement offices. The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force immediately launched an inquiry into the event, which resulted in two minor injuries and brief local panic as thick smoke rose from the plaza steps. “This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement on X. “The individual is in custody and two minor injuries reported thus far. FBI JTTF is investigating the incident. @NewYorkFBI”
According to security personnel and footage gathered near the scene, the individual poured a combustible liquid along the steps before igniting commercial-grade fireworks, creating a sudden blaze and heavy dark clouds. A federal protective guard intervened quickly, tackling the perpetrator to the pavement before taking him into physical custody. First responders from the local fire department extinguished the flames shortly thereafter, while medical teams evaluated two individuals, including the arresting guard, for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the chaos.
Investigators examining the scene confiscated a pushcart brought by the suspect that contained various gear and fake weaponry. Law enforcement sources confirmed retrieving realistic airsoft long guns, carbon dioxide canisters, halogen light bulbs, protective headgear, a hammer, a knife, and an “apparent manifesto”. Affixed to the transport cart was a handwritten banner stating “ICE Off Our Streets,” directly referencing opposition to federal deportation operations conducted inside the complex.
Law enforcement authorities identified the detainee as 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca, a former U.S. military member with a record of emotional distress and activist involvement targeting federal immigration enforcement. Summarizing the initial findings during an afternoon briefing, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle noted, “At this time, our Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating this as an anti-government attack on a federal facility,” though official charges remain pending while federal prosecutors review the recovered materials.
City leadership expressed relief that the situation was neutralized without widespread casualties. In an official statement, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, “What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing,” adding, “I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody.” Municipal officials confirmed they remain in constant contact with federal investigators to ensure safety around public structures throughout Lower Manhattan.
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