Former Army Officer Ignites Fire Outside 26 Federal Plaza, 3 Injured
In a Monday morning incident at the heart of Manhattan’s federal complex, former Army officer Andrew Arrabaca launched a pellet gun and fireworks that ignited a blaze on the stairs leading into 26 Federal Plaza, the building that houses FBI, ICE and USCIS offices.
Authorities described Arrabaca as an “anti‑ICE rioter” and an “anti‑American, anti‑government extremist.” He was armed with two axes, a machete, three knives and a pellet gun when seized by FBI agents, who confirmed the use of fireworks to start the fire.
Three people sustained minor injuries during the event, including a federal employee and an immigrant attending an immigration status hearing. One security officer was grazed while attempting to stop the suspect; a second injured government employee was among the wounded.
The fire department extinguished the blaze, and the suspect was arrested before the incident could spread further. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as "deeply disturbing" and promised that the city would continue to safeguard all residents against such threats.
