Prosecutors Release Video of 43-Year-Old's NYC Federal Firebombing, Injuring 3

Q: Was the attack on 26 Federal Plaza linked to the controversial ICE detention center housed inside the building?

No confirmed link has been established between the incident at 26 Federal Plaza and the ICE detention facility inside the building. What is known is that 26 Federal Plaza houses several federal operations, including the FBI’s New York Field Office, immigration courts, and an ICE holding area that has drawn scrutiny over detention conditions. That has led to protests, lawsuits, and public criticism tied to the building. But in the reporting provided on Monday’s incident, authorities said only that a person was arrested after deploying an incendiary device outside the building, that a firearm was recovered, and that the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating. The presence of ICE personnel at the scene does not by itself show motive. ICE has offices and operations in the building, so its agents’ presence could simply reflect the location and the agencies based there. The available reporting does not identify the suspect’s motive, any manifesto, or any statement tying the act to the detention center. So while the ICE facility is one prominent and controversial part of 26 Federal Plaza, there is currently no public evidence in the material provided that the attack specifically targeted it. The motive remains under investigation.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 23

New surveillance video shows Andrew Arrabaca launching fireworks, firing a BB or pellet gun, pouring gasoline on the steps of 26 Federal Plaza and igniting the blaze before officers arrested him at the scene.
Court filings say the 43-year-old told investigators he was driven by anti-government beliefs and targeted a busy entrance because he knew pedestrians would be there.
Three people were injured, including one struck by explosive debris who suffered a head gash; investigators also recovered additional fireworks, two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives.
The Manhattan building houses FBI and ICE offices and has long been an extremist target, though officials said its heavy security helped contain the attack.