A former U.S. soldier was arrested outside a federal building in Manhattan, New York, on Monday morning after allegedly setting a fire at the entrance, igniting fireworks, and firing an airsoft pellet gun toward the building. Three people sustained minor injuries, and security personnel detained the suspect at the scene.
According to the FBI, the incident occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza, which houses offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The complex has also been a focal point for demonstrations against U.S. immigration policies in recent months.
Investigators identified the suspect as 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca of Poughkeepsie, New York. According to the FBI, he made several statements against the government and ICE during the incident. Federal agents and security personnel subdued and arrested him at the scene.
Authorities recovered two axes, one machete, three knives, fireworks, and an airsoft gun from the suspect.
According to FBI officials, the suspect first arrived outside the building and began setting off fireworks. He then poured a flammable substance on the entrance steps and ignited it, causing a fire. During the incident, he fired five to seven pellets toward the building using an airsoft gun. Initial investigators said the weapon was not a lethal firearm, but the incident prompted an immediate security response.
The New York Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire shortly afterward, preventing further damage.
The FBI said three people suffered minor injuries in the incident. Two were government employees, while the third was an immigrant who had come to the building for a hearing related to immigration status.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a passerby sustained minor injuries, and a security officer involved in restraining the suspect was also slightly injured. All injured individuals received medical treatment, and officials said their conditions were stable.
FBI New York Assistant Director James Barnacle said during a press conference that the suspect possessed multiple weapons and made several statements against the government and ICE during the incident. He said security personnel acted promptly to bring the situation under control. The FBI is also investigating whether the suspect acted alone or had any connection with another individual or group.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security described the suspect as an "anti-ICE" protester. The department said the preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect intended to protest against federal agencies. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the incident was motivated solely by personal ideology or had links to any organised campaign.
According to official records, Andrew Arrabaca served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2004 and in the New York Army National Guard from 2004 to 2005. Officials said there is no record of an overseas deployment. He left military service with the rank of Specialist. Investigators are also examining his recent activities and possible extremist views.
26 Federal Plaza is one of New York City's principal federal government complexes. It houses the FBI, ICE, USCIS, and other federal agencies. Large numbers of people visit the building daily for immigration-related matters, government procedures, and legal hearings. The complex has also been the site of multiple demonstrations against U.S. immigration policies in recent years.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as "deeply concerning." He said the city administration remains committed to ensuring public safety and that strict action would be taken against anyone who takes the law into their own hands. He added that violence and actions threatening public safety would not be tolerated.
Security was increased across the federal complex and surrounding area following the incident. The FBI, DHS, and local police are jointly investigating the case. Authorities are examining the suspect's digital records, social media activity, and possible contacts.
Officials urged the public to rely only on official information as the investigation continues.
