A U.S. Army veteran considered other New York City locations before setting a fire and firing a BB rifle outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters in Manhattan, federal prosecutors stated Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as a "crazed" U.S. Army soldier, reportedly targeted multiple sites in the city for a potential "attack" before the incident on Monday. While the exact nature and number of other sites considered were not immediately detailed by authorities, the revelation suggests a premeditated plan beyond the ICE headquarters.
The suspect is accused of igniting a blaze outside the federal building and discharging a BB rifle. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Law enforcement officials have not yet released the suspect's name but confirmed their military service and described their alleged actions as "crazed."
Further investigation into the suspect's motives and the full extent of their planning is ongoing. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York is prosecuting the case.