NEW YORK, July 21 (Our New York News) — Law enforcement sources identified Andrew Arrabaca, 43, as the suspect in an alleged incendiary device attack outside 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. Officials said no charges had been filed in the initial reports.
What officials say happened
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said Arrabaca allegedly poured gasoline outside the federal building and ignited it with a lighter and a large firework in a canister. Barnacle said investigators found two axes, a hammer, a machete, three knives and several incendiary devices.
Barnacle also said Arrabaca had anti-ICE literature with him and yelled derogatory terms toward ICE during the arrest. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the suspect’s cart displayed a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets.”
Why 26 Federal Plaza matters
26 Federal Plaza is a federal building in lower Manhattan that houses immigration court operations. Because the incident happened on federal property, federal authorities were involved.
What injuries were reported
Officials said the incident caused minor injuries. ABC News, citing the FBI, said three people were hurt. A separate FBI social media post quoted by another outlet said two minor injuries had been reported. The available information does not explain the difference.
What is not known yet
No charging document, complaint, indictment or court case number has been made public in the information released so far. The reports also do not say what specific charges, if any, prosecutors plan to file.
What an incendiary device is
An incendiary device is a fire-starting device. In this case, officials said the device was allegedly used outside the building.
Why the case is being watched
The reported anti-ICE material and the federal location have made the case part public-safety story and part immigration-enforcement story. But investigators have not publicly laid out a motive in a court filing.
