Anti-ICE suspect arrested outside NYC headquarters after incendiary device ignites fire

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A suspect was taken into custody after authorities say an incendiary device was deployed outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, the federal complex that houses the FBI’s New York office, ICE facilities and federal immigration courts.
The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation after officials said the suspect was apprehended at the scene. Authorities have not publicly announced a motive.
Federal investigators now say the suspect had a history of anti-ICE activity, and the FBI is describing the incident as “an anti-government attack on a federal facility.”
Investigators recovered additional items including a pellet gun and a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets,” while surveillance video reportedly captured the suspect igniting a flammable liquid outside the federal building.

SUSPECT IN CUSTODY AFTER INCENDIARY DEVICE DEPLOYED OUTSIDE NYC FEDERAL BUILDING

Federal authorities are investigating after an individual allegedly deployed an incendiary device Monday morning outside a major federal office complex in Lower Manhattan before being taken into custody.

The incident unfolded outside 26 Federal Plaza, a government building that houses the FBI’s New York Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices, federal immigration courts and other federal agencies. Smoke was seen outside the building as law enforcement officers quickly secured the area.

In a statement, the FBI confirmed the suspect had been arrested.

“This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident.”

Officials initially placed portions of the building under a shelter-in-place order while emergency responders assessed the scene. Authorities said there was no ongoing threat after the suspect was detained.

According to law enforcement sources cited by multiple outlets, investigators believe the device consisted of fireworks combined with a flammable liquid. Additional reporting indicated officers recovered other items during the arrest, though authorities have not yet released a full inventory or discussed possible charges beyond confirming the investigation remains active.

The New York Post reported that the suspect allegedly ignited fireworks outside the building before being subdued by federal officers. The publication also reported several minor injuries, including injuries to firefighters responding to the scene, though officials have not released a comprehensive injury update.

Investigators have not publicly identified the suspect or announced a motive. The Joint Terrorism Task Force continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

UPDATE: Authorities release new details about suspect and attack

As investigators continued processing the scene Monday afternoon, federal officials described the incident as an apparent targeted attack on a federal facility.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said the suspect had a documented history of anti-ICE activity and characterized the incident as “an anti-government attack on a federal facility.” Authorities said video surveillance captured the suspect pouring a flammable liquid onto the sidewalk before igniting it with fireworks, creating a fireball outside the entrance to 26 Federal Plaza.

Officials said the suspect was carrying a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets” when he was taken into custody. Investigators also recovered a pellet gun and additional items from the suspect’s cart as the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force assumed control of the investigation.

The FBI confirmed that two people—a federal employee and a civilian—suffered minor injuries during the incident and were treated and released. Authorities stressed that the suspect was apprehended almost immediately, allowing emergency crews to secure the area before the situation escalated further.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the incident “deeply disturbing” and said his administration is coordinating with federal investigators. In a statement posted to social media, Mamdani wrote, “I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody. Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city—and hold accountable any who threaten that.”

Authorities have not announced formal federal charges or publicly identified a motive beyond describing the attack as anti-government in nature. The Joint Terrorism Task Force’s investigation remains ongoing.