New York, July 21 2026
A former U.S. Army veteran has been taken into custody after allegedly setting a fire and igniting fireworks outside a federal building in Lower Manhattan that houses offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI. The incident triggered a major security response and is being investigated by federal authorities.
According to officials, the suspect, identified as Andrew Arrabaca, 43, allegedly poured gasoline on the steps of 26 Federal Plaza before setting it ablaze. Investigators say he also ignited fireworks and was carrying anti-ICE material at the time of the incident. Law enforcement officers quickly subdued and arrested him before the fire could spread further.
Three people suffered minor injuries during the incident, including a Federal Protective Service officer who was involved in the arrest. Emergency responders extinguished the flames within minutes, preventing significant damage to the building. Authorities later recovered additional weapons and suspicious items from the suspect’s possession, including knives, axes, a hammer, and a pellet gun.
Federal investigators believe the attack was motivated by opposition to ICE operations. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security are leading the investigation to determine whether additional charges or terrorism-related allegations will be filed. Officials emphasized that there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
New York City officials condemned the violence while praising the swift response of law enforcement personnel. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed relief that no fatalities occurred and said the city would continue cooperating with federal agencies as the investigation moves forward.
“Violence against public institutions and law enforcement personnel has no place in our society. We are grateful that this incident was contained quickly and that no lives were lost,” federal officials said following the arrest.
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