FBI Investigating Armed Attack at Lower Manhattan Federal Building

Federal authorities are investigating a violent incident that occurred Monday morning outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan. Andrew Arrabaca, 43, was taken into custody by Federal Protective Service officers after allegedly igniting a flammable liquid and discharging fireworks near the building’s employee entrance on Worth Street.

According to James Barnacle, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, Arrabaca told investigators that he specifically targeted the federal facility and expressed a willingness to harm or kill those entering or exiting the building. Three individuals—two government employees and one civilian—sustained minor injuries during the event.

Law enforcement officials reported that Arrabaca, a U.S. Army veteran who served between 2001 and 2005, was found in possession of a variety of weapons, including a machete, two axes, a hammer, and three knives. Investigators also recovered six incendiary devices or fireworks from the scene. A cart containing "anti-ICE literature" was located nearby, and officials noted that the suspect allegedly shouted derogatory remarks regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during his arrest.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that Arrabaca, who had been residing in Harlem, traveled to the area via subway on Sunday night. Authorities later located his vehicle, a black Toyota RAV4, near West 124th Street and Broadway, and were working to secure a search warrant for the car.

While a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security characterized the suspect as an "anti-ICE rioter" and mentioned the discovery of a manifesto, the FBI has not yet confirmed the existence of such a document, stating that the investigation remains ongoing. The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the inquiry in coordination with the NYPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident on social media, calling the event "deeply disturbing" and confirming that his administration is cooperating with federal investigators. As of Monday afternoon, formal criminal charges had not been filed against the suspect.