Incendiary Device Attack Outside 26 Federal Plaza

On July 20, 2026, a man identified as Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old former soldier, poured gasoline on the sidewalk outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan and ignited it with a lighter and a large fireworks canister. Video captured the blaze spreading quickly before firefighters extinguished it before reaching the immigration court housed in the building. Law-enforcement officials reported that Arrabaca also fired pellets from an air-soft rifle and brandished a cart containing fireworks, air-soft rifles, a pellet gun, a hammer, axes, a machete, and several knives. Two federal employees and one civilian—an immigrant awaiting a hearing—suffered minor injuries. The suspect was tackled by a Federal Protective Service officer and taken into custody.

Man accused of setting off incendiary device at federal building due in court

Arrabaca’s history includes anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activism. The cart he wheeled to the scene bore a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle described Arrabaca as “an anti-American, anti-government extremist.”

Man accused of setting off incendiary device at federal building due in court

• Andrew Arrabaca – 43-year-old former U.S. Army soldier (served 2001-2005), former Patriot-missile-system mechanic; alleged perpetrator.

Man accused of setting off incendiary device at federal building due in court

• James Barnacle – FBI Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force; provided operational details and characterizations of Arrabaca.

Man accused of setting off incendiary device at federal building due in court

• Zohran Mamdani – Mayor of New York City; addressed the public response to the incident.

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Barnacle labeled the act a potential act of terrorism and confirmed that the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation. He noted the presence of multiple weapons and incendiary devices, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat to federal facilities. Mayor Mamdani called the incident “deeply disturbing,” expressed relief that no one was seriously injured, and pledged city cooperation with federal investigators to ensure public safety.

ABC7 New York

• “I'm relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody,” — Zohran Mamdani, york city mayor

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