A former United States Army soldier was arrested on Monday morning after allegedly starting a fire outside a federal government building in New York City, according to the FBI.
Authorities identified the suspect as 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca of Poughkeepsie, New York. He reportedly discharged a pellet gun, launched fireworks and ignited a blaze near an entrance to 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan.
The building houses several federal agencies, including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Federal Agents Detain Armed Suspect
Federal agents tackled and arrested Arrabaca at the scene. FBI New York Assistant Director James Barnacle said the suspect was carrying two axes, a machete, three knives and fireworks.
Investigators said Arrabaca fired approximately five to seven pellets from an airsoft gun toward the federal building.
The Department of Homeland Security described him as an “anti-ICE rioter” and said he poured an accelerant onto the building’s entrance steps before setting them on fire. Firefighters later extinguished the blaze.
The BBC said it had contacted the Department of Homeland Security for further comment.
Three People Suffer Minor Injuries
Three people sustained minor injuries during the incident, including two government employees and an immigrant who had arrived at the building for a status hearing.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, a bystander was grazed during the disturbance. A security officer who helped tackle and detain Arrabaca also suffered minor injuries.
No serious injuries were reported.
Suspect Allegedly Made Anti-Government Statements
The FBI said Arrabaca made several anti-government and anti-ICE remarks during the incident.
Barnacle described him as an “anti-American, anti-government extremist” during a news conference.
The Lower Manhattan federal complex has increasingly become a focal point for demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Arrabaca’s Military Background
According to CBS, Arrabaca served in the regular US Army between 2001 and 2004. He later served in the New York Army National Guard from 2004 to 2005.
He was not deployed during his military service and left the Army with the rank of specialist.
New York City Mayor Responds
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as “deeply disturbing” in a post on X.
He said his administration would continue working to protect New Yorkers and ensure that anyone who threatens public safety is held accountable.
The incident at 26 Federal Plaza resulted in three minor injuries and the arrest of a heavily armed former soldier. Federal authorities are investigating the suspect’s alleged anti-government and anti-ICE motivations, while officials have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining public safety around the federal complex.