Breaking: Explosive Device Detonated at Manhattan Federal Building

Federal authorities are investigating an apparent anti-ICE attack after a man allegedly ignited fireworks and set a fire outside a major federal building in Lower Manhattan on Monday morning.

The incident unfolded shortly after 8:20 a.m. outside 26 Federal Plaza, which houses offices for the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an immigration court and numerous other federal agencies. A suspect was quickly taken into custody.

Video recorded outside the building showed flames and thick smoke near the entrance as armed federal agents rushed outside and authorities secured the surrounding sidewalk.

New York-based independent reporter Oliya Scootercaster shared footage of the incident on X and reported:

“Moment of EXPLOSION that went off outside of the 26 Federal Plaza in NYC around 8:30am this morning, with Immigration agents and FBI Rushing out guns drawn and FPS apprehending the suspect. Sidewalk has been shut down and building evacuated.”

“NYPD on scene confirmed it was a shooting and explosive device, suspect is apprehended.”

Authorities subsequently said the incident involved fireworks and a flammable liquid rather than confirming an exchange of gunfire. The Department of Homeland Security said the suspect poured what appeared to be gasoline on the entrance steps and set it on fire after launching fireworks outside the building.

The FBI confirmed that its terrorism investigators had taken control of the case.

The agency said, “This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said two people suffered minor injuries. Reports indicated that one was a Federal Protective Service officer involved in apprehending the suspect and another was a civilian grazed by fireworks. Neither injury was considered life-threatening.

Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin also reported that investigators had recovered what initially appeared to be a weapon.

Melugin added, “NYPD tells FOX there was a ‘found firearm’ in relation to this event, but couldn’t confirm if it was found on the suspect.”

Later accounts indicated that authorities recovered two pellet guns from a bag associated with the suspect, along with additional fireworks and a document described by officials as a manifesto. An anti-ICE sign reading “ICE off our streets” was also recovered at the scene.

Authorities later identified the suspect as Andrew Arrabaca. FBI officials said he arrived at the federal building carrying an incendiary device, pellet guns and anti-ICE material. Investigators are examining the attack’s motive and whether additional federal charges are warranted.

The rapid response by federal officers prevented the flames from causing more serious injuries or damage. The building was temporarily evacuated or placed under protective restrictions while investigators examined the scene and ensured that no additional devices were present.

The incident comes amid increasingly hostile rhetoric directed at ICE agents and federal immigration authorities as President Donald Trump’s administration continues enforcing immigration law and carrying out the border-security agenda voters endorsed in 2024.

Political disagreement is protected by the Constitution. Attempting to intimidate federal employees with fire, explosive materials or apparent weapons is not peaceful protest. It is criminal violence, and those responsible must face the full consequences of the law.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is continuing to investigate the incident, including the suspect’s background, the recovered materials and whether he acted alone.