Army Veteran Arrested After Attack at Manhattan Federal Building

According to James Barnacle, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, the incident began just before 8:30 a.m. Authorities state that Arrabaca, who was wearing a military-style helmet, used a canister to deploy a large firework before pouring gasoline on the ground and igniting it.

Weapons and Evidence Recovered

Law enforcement officials reported that Arrabaca arrived at the scene armed with a significant cache of weapons. During a press conference, Barnacle confirmed that the suspect was in possession of two axes, a machete, three knives, a hammer, and two airsoft rifles. Additionally, investigators recovered a pushcart used by the suspect that featured a sign reading ICE off our streets.

FBI officials stated that Arrabaca fired five to seven pellets from an airsoft gun in the direction of the building. The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is currently leading the investigation into the incident. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that her department is assisting by analyzing the city’s surveillance network to track Arrabaca’s movements, confirming that the suspect’s vehicle was located near West 124th Street and Broadway in Harlem.

Injuries and Security Response

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the injured include two government employees, a civilian who was attending an immigration status hearing, and a security officer. The security officer was among those who physically tackled and detained Arrabaca before he could flee the scene.

One person was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials described the rapid response of security contractors and law enforcement as instrumental in preventing further harm. Barnacle noted that during a post-arrest interview, Arrabaca indicated he was targeting the federal facility and expressed indifference regarding the potential injury or death of those entering or exiting the building.

Background and Investigation Status

Arrabaca served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005, including time in the Army National Guard, where he worked as a mechanic on Patriot missile systems. While the FBI has categorized him as an anti-American, anti-government extremist, officials stated he has no known previous criminal history that rises to the level of the current allegations.

James M. McDonald, the deputy U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, stated that federal prosecutors are currently evaluating potential charges. As of Monday, the investigation remained active.

Context of the Incident

The site of the attack, 26 Federal Plaza, has frequently served as a flashpoint for demonstrations. The building is home to immigration courts, which have been the location of past protests regarding ICE enforcement actions and the detention of undocumented immigrants.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the event on social media, calling the incident deeply disturbing. Mamdani stated that his administration is coordinating with police and providing support for the ongoing federal investigation, emphasizing a commitment to public safety.

Sources: bbc.co.uk, ca.news.yahoo.com.