FBI identifies Army veteran as suspect in Manhattan federal building attack

Federal Building Security and Domestic Terrorism·Latest event July 21, 2026

Jul 21

FBI identifies Army veteran as suspect in Manhattan federal building attack

Federal authorities identified 43-year-old Army veteran Andrew Arrabaca as the suspect who allegedly ignited fireworks and started a fire at 26 Federal Plaza. Arrabaca also reportedly fired an airsoft rifle at the building, which houses FBI and ICE field offices. The FBI characterized the suspect as an anti-government extremist following the Monday incident. At the time of his arrest, Arrabaca allegedly possessed materials expressing opposition to ICE. The building remains a focal point for security concerns after the incendiary device caused a fire near the entrance.

'Anti-government extremist' set fire outside NYC federal building: FBIArmy veteran arrested for setting off fireworks, igniting fire outside federal building in NYC, FBI saysSuspect named in New York City alleged incendiary device attack, had 'anti-ICE stuff' on him

Jul 20

Joint Terrorism Task Force Investigates Incendiary Attack at Manhattan Federal Building

Law enforcement officials took an armed suspect into custody after he deployed an incendiary device outside 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan. The building houses the FBI New York Field Office and an immigration court. While some reports indicated three injuries occurred during the blast, other accounts described the explosion outside the immigration court as causing no immediate casualties. Local and federal agencies, including the NYPD and FDNY, coordinated to secure the area and apprehend the suspect. Officials characterized the incident as a disturbing and violent attack as the FBI began a formal terrorism investigation. The response involved the Joint Terrorism Task Force to determine the motive behind the detonation at the federal facility.

Statement on Law Enforcement Response to 26 Federal PlazaSuspect held after explosion at FBI building in New York CityIncendiary Attack at Federal Building Housing FBI's Lower Manhattan HQ1 person arrested after explosion outside New York City federal building

Jul 20

FBI Arrests Suspect After Incendiary Device Detonates Near New York Federal Building

Law enforcement officials took a man into custody after he allegedly ignited an incendiary device and brandished a firearm in Manhattan. The incident occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza, which houses federal immigration courts and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office. The FBI reported that the suspect deployed the device outside the facility. The Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation into the incident to determine the suspect's motives. Witnesses observed the suspect threatening passersby with airsoft rifles before the explosion occurred. While the device was described as an incendiary explosive, authorities have not yet released the specific identity of the suspect or detailed charges.

Suspect in custody after explosion near federal plaza in New York CityFBI alleges suspect 'deployed an incendiary device outside' federal buildingTerrorism task force probes armed loon who set off 'incendiary device' outside NYC fed HQ