The FBI is investigating a fire outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan as an "anti-government attack" after authorities said a man carrying airsoft-style rifles, fireworks and anti-ICE materials ignited a fire outside one of New York City's principal federal office buildings before being taken into custody. The incident, which injured two people, prompted a large law enforcement response and placed one of the nation's busiest federal immigration facilities under heightened security.
The fire broke out shortly before 11 a.m. Monday outside the federal complex in Foley Square, which houses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Executive Office for Immigration Review's immigration court, the FBI's New York Field Office and several other federal agencies. A federal employee and a civilian sustained minor injuries and were treated and released, according to officials.
Federal investigators quickly assumed control of the case. Speaking at a press briefing, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle characterized the incident as an "anti-government attack on a federal facility."
According to Barnacle, the suspect arrived pushing a cart that contained an incendiary device, a pellet gun and a protest sign reading "ICE Off Our Streets." Authorities said the man used fireworks to ignite a flammable liquid that had been poured onto the ground near the entrance to the federal building.
The New York Police Department said investigators also recovered a firearm in connection with the incident, although officials have not confirmed whether it was carried by the suspect at the time of his arrest. Police said the man was wearing a protective helmet and carrying carbon dioxide cartridges, equipment commonly associated with certain airsoft or pellet-powered weapons.
Authorities said the cart also contained additional long-gun-style airsoft rifles, fireworks and other materials that are now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show a man pouring liquid across the pavement before igniting it, producing flames and heavy smoke near the building's front steps. Moments later, federal officers emerged from the building, restrained the suspect and escorted him back inside in handcuffs.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze before it spread into the federal building itself. Because of concerns about additional hazardous materials, New York City's bomb squad responded to inspect the suspect's cart. Officials have not disclosed whether investigators located any additional explosive devices.
The FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force has now taken the lead in the investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on social media that the suspect was in custody and that two people suffered minor injuries, adding that the Joint Terrorism Task Force was "investigating the incident."
Law enforcement sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the investigation remains active, told reporters they believe the suspect has previously participated in anti-ICE demonstrations. Neither the FBI nor the NYPD has publicly confirmed the suspect's identity or formally described a motive, and no criminal charges had been announced as of Monday.
The location has become a frequent site of demonstrations in recent months as protesters gathered outside immigration court proceedings and ICE offices to oppose federal immigration enforcement policies. Monday's incident, however, represented a significant escalation because investigators allege the suspect arrived with incendiary materials and multiple weapons.
Officials from across New York responded quickly to the incident. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the attack as "deeply disturbing" and said he was grateful no one suffered life-threatening injuries. He added that city officials remained in contact with the NYPD and would "continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the incident after receiving a law enforcement briefing, calling the attack "completely unacceptable" and saying he was "praying for the safety of all those impacted."
