A former U.S. Army soldier was arrested Monday morning after allegedly setting a fire and firing an airsoft gun outside a federal building in Manhattan, the FBI said. Andrew Arrabaca, 43, is accused of pouring an accelerant on the stairs of an entrance to 26 Federal Plaza, which houses offices for the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, causing a blaze that was extinguished by the fire department.
Federal agents apprehended Arrabaca, who they reported was armed with two axes, a machete, three knives, and fireworks. He also fired approximately five to seven pellets from an airsoft gun in the direction of the building, according to FBI New York Assistant Director James Barnacle. Arrabaca allegedly made "several anti-government and anti-ICE statements during the incident."
Three individuals sustained minor injuries. Two were government employees, and a bystander was grazed. A security officer who tackled and detained Arrabaca also suffered minor injuries, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated. The DHS described the suspect as an "anti-ICE rioter."
Arrabaca, of Poughkeepsie, New York, served in the regular Army from 2001 to 2004 and in the Army National Guard-New York from 2004 to 2005, departing with the rank of specialist. He had no deployments during his service, according to reports.
Barnacle characterized Arrabaca as an "anti-American, anti-government extremist." The incident occurred at a federal building that has been a site for protests against the immigration policies of former President Donald Trump. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the event "deeply disturbing" and pledged to hold accountable anyone who threatens public safety.