Arrest Made After Incendiary Device Incident at 26 Federal Plaza, NYC

A suspect named Andrew Arrabaca has been arrested after deploying an incendiary device outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. The incident resulted in minor injuries to two individuals. The FBI and local authorities are conducting an investigation into the event, which has raised concerns among city officials. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred and emphasized the city's commitment to safety. Further details from the Department of Homeland Security revealed that the suspect was armed and had anti-ICE materials. The investigation is ongoing.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 00:03 IST

Incident Overview

Authorities have identified the individual responsible for deploying an incendiary device outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York City on Monday morning as Andrew Arrabaca. This information was confirmed by two law enforcement sources to a news outlet, indicating that Arrabaca had materials associated with anti-ICE sentiments at the time of the incident. The FBI reported that the suspect was apprehended shortly after the event occurred. FBI Director Kash Patel stated, "This morning, an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York. The individual is in custody, and two minor injuries have been reported so far. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident."

During a briefing, James Barnacle Jr., the assistant director overseeing the FBI's New York field office, revealed that the suspect was in possession of an unidentified liquid. "He placed the liquid down and set off some fireworks on top of it," Barnacle explained, noting that this resulted in a small fire. Additionally, the suspect was found to be armed with a pellet gun. Two individuals, including a federal employee and a civilian, suffered minor injuries and were treated and released.

The incident unfolded outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, which is home to a US Citizenship and Immigration Services office. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his concern, calling the event "deeply disturbing." He added, "I’m relieved that no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody. My team is coordinating 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 anyone who threatens that."

Later on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided further details, alleging that "around 8:20 am, an anti-ICE protester launched fireworks outside of 26 Federal Plaza, grazing a bystander, and poured what is believed to be gasoline on the entrance stairs, igniting it." The department noted that a Federal Protective Service officer quickly tackled and detained the suspect, sustaining minor injuries in the process. DHS also reported that officers recovered a bag containing what appeared to be two pellet guns and a manifesto. The FBI, New York Police Department, and emergency services are actively investigating the situation.