A 43‑year‑old former U.S. Army specialist was arrested after igniting fireworks and launching a fire outside the FBI’s office at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan.
The suspect, Andrew Arrabaca, was seen shooting small‑ball pellets from a pellet gun and setting off fireworks at the building’s entrance. According to the FBI, he poured an accelerant onto the staircase of the entrance and started a blaze.
Federal agents tackled Arrabaca, who was reportedly armed with a machete, several axes, knives and a pellet gun. He also made anti‑government and anti‑ICE statements as he set the fire.
Three people sustained minor injuries, including an immigrant who was attending a status hearing. A security officer who tackled the suspect was grazed and received minor injuries. Two government employees were also injured in the incident.
City officials called the incident “deeply disturbing” and stressed the need to maintain safety for all New Yorkers while holding those involved accountable.
Arrabaca had served in the regular Army from 2001 to 2004 and in the Army National Guard of New York from 2004 to 2005, but did not have any overseas deployments. He left with the rank of specialist.
