NEW YORK: A former U.S. soldier has been arrested after allegedly setting off an incendiary device outside a federal building in New York City, with the FBI accusing him of deliberately targeting the facility and saying he admitted he was prepared to kill both government workers and civilians.
The suspect, Andrew Arrabaca, 43, allegedly ignited gasoline outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Monday morning before firing several pellets from an airsoft rifle toward the building, authorities said.
The federal complex houses multiple government offices, including an immigration court.
According to FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle, Arrabaca is being treated as an anti-American and anti-government extremist.
Investigators said Arrabaca poured gasoline onto the sidewalk before igniting it with a lighter and a large firework contained in a canister, creating flames outside the federal building.
Authorities also alleged that he fired between five and seven pellets from an airsoft rifle toward the entrance after starting the fire.
Following his arrest, Barnacle said the suspect allegedly admitted he intentionally targeted the federal building.
He said he was targeting the building and was OK if he hurt or killed people going in and out of the building, whether they were federal employees or civilians,” Barnacle told reporters.
Officials confirmed that three people sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The victims include two federal employees and one civilian, who was reportedly an immigrant attending an immigration court hearing inside the building.
Emergency responders quickly brought the fire under control before it could spread further.
Investigators said Arrabaca was carrying multiple weapons when he was arrested.
According to the FBI, officers recovered:
- Two axes;
- A machete;
- Three knives;
- A hammer;
- Several additional incendiary devices; and
- An airsoft rifle.
Authorities also found a cart containing anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) literature.
One sign recovered from the cart reportedly read “ICE Off Our Streets.”
Officials said the suspect shouted anti-ICE remarks while being taken into custody.
Barnacle said Arrabaca served in the U.S. military from 2001 to 2005, where he worked as a mechanic on Patriot missile systems.
Police also noted that he was wearing a military-style helmet during the attack.
The Department of Homeland Security described him as someone with a history of anti-ICE activities.
The FBI said 26 Federal Plaza has long been viewed as a potential target because it houses several federal agencies, including immigration-related offices.
Authorities believe the suspect deliberately chose the location to inflict harm on people entering and leaving the building.
Federal prosecutors are expected to determine the charges, as the attack occurred on federal property.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the incident, describing it as “deeply disturbing.”
He expressed relief that no one suffered life-threatening injuries and pledged that city authorities would continue working with federal agencies to ensure public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal authorities continue examining the suspect’s motive and possible extremist links.
