A man sparked a large fire in front of a federal building in New York City on Monday, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The suspect was tackled by an FPS Protective Security Officer as he attempted to flee and was arrested.
The incident occurred at 26 Federal Plaza. Surveillance footage captured the man, described by DHS as a protester opposed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), setting off fireworks, spilling what appeared to be gasoline, and igniting the material, causing a fire that billowed smoke from the building.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as Andrew Arrabaca, sustained minor injuries during the confrontation with officers. His bag was recovered and contained two pellet guns and a manifesto. A federal employee and a civilian were also injured in the incident but their injuries were described as minor.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated on social media that the individual is in custody and that the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the matter.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack, stating it was “deeply disturbing” and expressing relief that no one was seriously injured. He added that his administration would ensure every New Yorker remains safe and hold accountable those who threaten public safety.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also issued a statement condemning the incident, saying: “Acts of terror and violence have no place in our city and will never be tolerated. The individual responsible for this must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Video footage showed smoke rising from the federal building as police responded.
