A 43-year-old man is accused of targeting a Manhattan federal office building Monday morning with gasoline, fireworks, airsoft rifles, and more weapons, telling investigators he intended to attack the building and was "okay if he hurt or killed people" entering or leaving it, or civilians, according to the FBI.
Andrew Arrabaca, of Poughkeepsie, New York, remains in federal custody as investigators prepare charges. He is believed to be a former U.S. Army soldier, and his last known address is in Harlem. FBI officials said he agreed to speak with investigators after being advised of his rights. Authorities said the investigation remains active, and charges had not been filed as of Monday afternoon.
Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle of the FBI's New York Field Office said Arrabaca arrived outside 26 Federal Plaza shortly before 9 a.m., poured gasoline onto the ground and ignited it using a large firework, creating a blaze outside the employee entrance. He then fired five to seven pellets from an airsoft rifle toward the building before Federal Protective Service officers, a contracted security guard and an FBI agent subdued and arrested him.
Investigators said Arrabaca arrived with multiple weapons and incendiary devices. Authorities recovered two airsoft rifles, six fireworks used as incendiary devices, two axes, a hammer, a machete, three fixed-blade knives and other destructive items. Officials also said his cart displayed a sign reading "ICE off our streets."
Three people suffered minor injuries, two government employees and one civilian, according to the FBI. The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) reported four civilians with minor injuries. Three declined medical treatment, while one was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, according to an FDNY statement emailed to NTD.
Barnacle said investigators seized a vehicle believed to belong to Arrabaca and are seeking a search warrant as they continue collecting evidence.
"We know there were anti-government and anti-American statements made," Barnacle said. He said investigators believe Arrabaca deliberately targeted the federal building, adding that 26 Federal Plaza "has long been a target of extremists."
The incident occurred about 8:30 a.m. outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building, home to offices for the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, federal immigration courts and other federal agencies.
In a video posted to X by Freedom News TV, an independent news outlet, officers were seen rushing from the building as white smoke and flames rose near the entrance. Officers then tackled the suspect while additional federal agents and police secured the scene. Another video showed firefighters extinguishing the flames as investigators closed off the area.