An agitator with a history of anti-ICE activity was taken into custody Monday morning after deploying an incendiary device outside the federal building in Lower Manhattan. The device, described as a makeshift bomb made of fireworks and flammable liquid, caused an explosion and fire that resulted in three minor injuries. Two victims were treated and released, while a third was hospitalized.
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The suspect has been identified as Andrew Arrabaca, 43.
The building, which houses ICE, immigration courts, and other federal agencies, was immediately placed under a shelter-in-place order.
EMS, FBI, DHS and the NYPD were at the scene to put out the fire and restore order.
Arrabaca had reportedly wheeled a cart labeled “ICE Off Our Streets” to the scene containing fireworks and other “anti-ICE stuff.” According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), he also carried a duffle bag containing what appeared to be two pellet guns and a manifesto.
A firearm was also recovered from the scene, though the NYPD did not say whether it was found on the suspect.
“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,” DHS said in a statement.
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“A FPS Protective Security Officer swiftly tackled and detained the agitator, sustaining minor injuries during the incident. Officers quickly recovered the individual’s bag, which contained what appeared to be two pellet guns and a manifesto,” DHS stated.
The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident as an antigovernment attack.
Surveillance video, shared by ABC News NY, captured the moment the agitator set off the makeshift bomb outside the federal building. Arrabaca first poured flammable liquid on the stairs of the entrance of the building and then ignited it using fireworks, sparking a massive fire, according to FBI officials. He also “menaced” some people nearby law enforcement told NBC New York.
Video captured the suspect being apprehended by DHS officers.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates with more details about the suspect as they come in.
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