New York City authorities arrested Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran, after he set off fireworks and started a fire outside the federal government building at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Monday morning. The incident disrupted agencies housed there and resulted in minor injuries to three individuals.
What Happened
The event occurred around 8:20 a.m. outside 26 Federal Plaza, a building that accommodates multiple federal agencies including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Andrew Arrabaca, residing in Harlem and previously stationed in Poughkeepsie, ignited a bundle of fireworks and poured flammable liquid outside the building, sparking a fire.
Federal agents from the FBI and officers from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) responded swiftly. They tackled and arrested Arrabaca at the scene. The New York Fire Department extinguished the resulting blaze. Additionally, the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken over the investigation.
Key Facts
Arrabaca, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army from July 2001 to July 2004 and in the Army National Guard-New York until July 2005, carried multiple weapons and incendiary materials during the attack. FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle stated that Arrabaca was armed with two axes, a machete, three knives, fireworks, and other destructive devices. He also had two airsoft guns, carbon dioxide cartridges, halogen lights, and a helmet, all found at the site alongside a manifesto in his bag. Arrabaca displayed anti-ICE messages on a cart during the incident.
Three people sustained minor injuries: two federal workers and one security officer who intervened during the arrest. One individual was grazed by fireworks while the security officer suffered minor harm tackling Arrabaca. The suspect has had prior contact with federal agents as an emotionally disturbed person but was not arrested at that time.
Arrabaca’s vehicle has been seized by law enforcement pending a search warrant.
What This Means
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges faced by federal buildings in urban areas, especially regarding individuals motivated by extremist views and personal grievances. The presence of incendiary devices and weapons illustrates the continued risk of violent acts targeting government facilities.
For residents and employees in the area, the event underscores the importance of preparedness and rapid response coordination among local and federal law enforcement to mitigate harm and quickly resolve dangerous encounters. It also raises awareness for security protocols at federal sites and the need for vigilance against potential threats, emphasizing the balance between open public access and protective measures.
Moreover, Arrabaca’s prior interaction with authorities as emotionally disturbed without arrest suggests a possible gap in intervention that might prevent escalation to violence. It points to ongoing debates about how to manage individuals who exhibit disruptive or threatening behaviors before they escalate to criminal acts.
What Comes Next
The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force continues its active investigation. Authorities have obtained Arrabaca’s vehicle and are working on a search warrant to gather further evidence. Legal proceedings and potential charges against Arrabaca remain pending, depending on investigative findings and prosecutorial decisions.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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