Former Army specialist Andrew Arrabaca was arrested after setting fire to the steps of 26 Federal Plaza, the FBI’s New York office, on Monday morning.
Arrabaca, 43, allegedly fired a pellet gun and set off fireworks at the federal building before pouring an accelerant on the entrance stairs, causing a blaze. Federal agents tackled and detained him, while the fire department extinguished the fire.
The suspect carried a machete, three knives, two axes and other weapons. He made several anti‑government and anti‑ICE statements during the incident, according to the FBI.
Three people sustained minor injuries — two government employees and an immigrant attending an immigration status hearing. The DHS described the attacker as an “anti‑ICE rioter” and a “anti‑American, anti‑government extremist.”
Arrabaca served in the regular Army between 2001 and 2004 and in the Army National Guard – New York from 2004 to 2005, leaving with the rank of specialist. He never deployed overseas.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the incident “deeply disturbing” and pledged that the administration would keep New Yorkers safe and hold those who threaten the city accountable. The event highlights growing security concerns at a site that has become a flashpoint for protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
