By A man with a reported history of anti-ICE activity was taken into custody Monday after authorities say he poured flammable liquid onto the sidewalk outside a major federal building, ignited it with fireworks and produced a large blaze near the building’s entrance.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 a.m. outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, a 41-story complex that houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices, federal immigration courts, the FBI’s New York field office and other government agencies, according to reports.
Video showed flames racing across the sidewalk as thick smoke rose above the plaza.
I've seen enough man.
These people hate America, they want to destroy our country.
This was obviously a terrorist attack and this man should have a speedy trial and then immediately be executed. pic.twitter.com/OINKLJdrXd
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) July 20, 2026
“This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “The individual is in custody and two minor injuries reported thus far. FBI JTTF is investigating the incident.”
The two injured people — a federal employee and a civilian — were treated and released, according to officials. The fire was extinguished before it spread inside the building, which was placed under a shelter-in-place order as investigators examined the suspect’s belongings.
At approximately 8:20 AM, an anti-ICE rioter launched fireworks outside of 26 Federal Plaza, grazing a bystander and poured what is believed to be gasoline on the stairs of the entrance of the building and set it on fire.
A FPS Protective Security Officer swiftly tackled and… https://t.co/YMHznaInWW— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 20, 2026
FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle described the episode as an “anti-government attack on a federal facility.”
Authorities said the suspect used fireworks to ignite the flammable liquid. He was also allegedly carrying a pellet gun and had a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets.” Police examined a cart he had wheeled to the plaza that reportedly contained additional fireworks, airsoft rifles and other objects.
NBC New York, citing four sources, identified the suspect as 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca. The outlet reported that he had previously served in the Army and National Guard. Authorities had not publicly announced criminal charges as of Monday afternoon.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack.
“What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing,” Mamdani said. “I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody. My team is in touch with the NYPD and we will support the federal investigation. Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city – and hold accountable any who threaten that.”
The initial media framing tried to downplay the incident entirely.
Terrorist tries to blow up ICE HQ in NYC
NBC: pic.twitter.com/AJONlf7eK9
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 20, 2026
NBC New York first promoted its coverage under the headline, “Fireworks set off outside 26 Federal Plaza, sources say, sending smoke billowing.” The headline was later changed to “‘Incendiary device’ deployed outside 26 Federal Plaza, FBI says,” after federal authorities publicly characterized the fire as a deliberate attack.
The original wording made the incident sound more like an unauthorized Fourth of July display than what the video and subsequent official statements described: A man carrying anti-ICE material allegedly transporting flammable liquid and weapons to a federal facility, pouring the accelerant outside its entrance and deliberately setting it ablaze.
The investigation comes amid continuing violence directed at immigration facilities and federal officers.
In July 2025, a group attacked the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas using firearms, fireworks and other explosives. The Justice Department said members of the group attempted to murder an Alvarado police officer and federal personnel. Fifteen defendants later received combined prison sentences exceeding 556 years.
Federal prosecutors also charged a defendant in Portland after he allegedly threw an incendiary device toward officers clearing protesters from federal property. The device detonated near the officers, according to the Justice Department.
Authorities have not announced whether Monday’s suspect will face terrorism charges. But the FBI’s description of an “anti-government attack,” the anti-ICE sign, the presence of an incendiary device and the involvement of the Joint Terrorism Task Force make clear that investigators are treating the episode as far more than a few fireworks producing smoke.
Monday’s incident is the latest in a widening series of violent attacks targeting immigration authorities. In July 2025, a black-clad group armed with firearms and explosives attacked the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Texas, using fireworks to lure officers outside before an Alvarado police officer was shot in the neck. Nine defendants were later convicted on charges including attempted murder and providing material support to terrorists. Federal prosecutors also charged more than 20 people with crimes connected to sustained attacks outside Portland’s ICE facility, including arson, assaulting federal officers and possessing a destructive device.
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