Army Veteran Detained After Fire Outside NYC Federal Building

A 43-year-old former US Army soldier was apprehended on Monday after launching an incendiary attack outside a federal building at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. The suspect, identified as Andrew Arrabaca, allegedly discharged an airsoft gun toward the structure and ignited fireworks, eventually pouring an accelerant on the entrance stairs to start a fire. The site houses multiple government offices, including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Law enforcement officials characterized Arrabaca as an anti-government extremist who made several verbal statements against ICE during the confrontation. According to FBI New York Assistant Director James Barnacle, the suspect was armed with multiple weapons at the time of his arrest, including a machete and two axes. Federal security personnel quickly moved to subdue the suspect, and the New York City Fire Department successfully extinguished the flames before the fire could spread into the building's interior spaces.

While no life-threatening injuries were reported, three individuals—including two government employees and an immigrant present for a scheduled status hearing—sustained minor injuries during the incident. The plaza has become a recurring site for protests regarding national immigration policies. Federal agencies and local police have increased security protocols in response, as the investigation into the motive and background of the suspect continues. Officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining the safety of both government employees and members of the public at all high-security federal facilities.