I’ll identify the suspect, describe what happened at 26 Federal Plaza, report official details about weapons and injuries, explain the anti-ICE materials and motive, and note political reaction and context surrounding the incident.
Authorities say a man was arrested after an incident this morning at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City, a courthouse complex that houses federal offices, including ICE and the FBI. Officials provided a detailed account of what they believe happened and the items the suspect was carrying, and they say multiple people were hurt. The scene drew immediate federal attention given the agencies located in the building.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle named the suspect as Andrew Arrabaca, 43, and said Arrabaca had been taken into custody and interviewed. Barnacle said Arrabaca set a fire in front of the building, used a firework, and fired an airsoft rifle, sending five to six pellets toward the structure. The agency also reported three injuries: one civilian and two government employees.
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Barnacle added that Arrabaca had previously served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005 and worked on Patriot missile systems. He described the suspect as arriving at the site prepared to cause harm. Officials said the man carried multiple weapons and incendiary devices intended to do damage.
“He had two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives,” as well as six incendiary devices and other destructive items, Barnacle said.
“The building was attacked. Arrabaca was looking to injure people and harm people,’ Barnacle explained.
Barnacle called Arrabaca an “antigovernment extremist” and said he had anti-ICE material on a cart discovered at the scene. Officials relayed that the suspect allegedly stated he was “okay” if he hurt or killed people, a chilling declaration that underlines the severity of the event. One naturalization ceremony planned for the building that day was canceled out of safety concerns.
The one civilian injured was described as an immigrant attending an immigration hearing, which Barnacle referred to as “quite ironic” given the suspect’s stated sentiments. Law enforcement emphasized that the suspect came armed and with incendiary devices, raising alarms about intent and planning. The combination of conventional weapons and homemade incendiaries increased the potential for mass harm in a busy federal plaza.
Local political reaction became part of the story immediately. I noted earlier comments from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and how his language framed the event, and it is striking that he used the phrase “what occurred” instead of naming the attack directly. Political leaders’ word choices matter, and many on the right will point out the need to call out violence aimed at agents enforcing the law.
This incident has broader implications for debates over rhetoric and public safety. Critics on the right argue that persistent anti-ICE messaging from Democrats and activist circles has helped create an environment that encourages attacks on federal law enforcement. Those critics are calling for clearer condemnation and firmer action against those who cross from protest to violence.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence about Arrabaca’s movements and intent, and federal authorities will determine appropriate charges based on the investigation. The public deserves transparent updates from law enforcement about motives and connections, especially when attacks target federal operations. For now, officials have secured the scene and are treating the case with full seriousness.
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