The suspect accused of detonating an incendiary device outside New York City’s federal immigration office has been identified by multiple news outlets as 43-year-old military veteran Andrew Arrabaca, who was said to be carrying a sign reading “ICE off our streets” during Monday’s attack.
Authorities said Arrabaca poured “what is believed to be gasoline” on the ground outside 26 Federal Plaza before placing fireworks on top of it and igniting the device. The “incendiary device” caused “a little fire,” FBI New York field office Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle Jr. said.
“At approximately 8:20 AM, an anti-ICE rioter launched fireworks outside of 26 Federal Plaza, grazing a bystander and poured what is believed to be gasoline on the stairs of the entrance of the building and set it on fire,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement Monday.
“Officers quickly recovered the individual’s bag, which contained what appeared to be two pellet guns and a manifesto,” the agency said.
At the time, the suspect was seen pushing a cart with a sign on it reading, “ICE off our streets.” He was also carrying two axes, a hammer, a machete, and multiple knives.
“When he was being arrested, he yelled derogatory terms to ICE, used bad words, obviously. He is an anti-American, anti-government extremist. We know that from what he said, we know that from what he has said post-arrest, and we know that from his actions that he tried to take today,” Barnacle said.
The New York Post reported that the suspect is a former U.S. Army and National Guardsman from Poughkeepsie.
Two federal employees and civilian sustained minor injuries in the attack and were treated and released, Barnacle said.
A Federal Protective Service officer “swiftly tackled and detained” the suspect, “sustaining minor injuries,” according to DHS.
The Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building houses ICE’s New York field office and an immigration court. During the Trump administration, the building has become a hotbed for anti-ICE protests.
The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident, the bureau said.
