Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was charged after authorities say he set a fire and fired a pellet gun outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Monday morning. Videos from the scene showed a plume of smoke and bright orange flames near the building entrance; federal agents arrested the suspect shortly after the incident, officials said.
An approved image from Fox News showed smoke and flames outside 26 Federal Plaza after the reported attack.
Federal law enforcement and prosecutors provided the initial account of the attack and evidence recovered; defense attorneys have described Arrabaca as struggling with mental health issues and requested evaluation and treatment through veterans’ services.
What happened at 26 Federal Plaza
According to federal officials, Arrabaca arrived at 26 Federal Plaza at about 8:30 a.m. Investigators allege he lit a large firework, poured a liquid that ignited a blaze near an entrance, and fired projectiles toward the building. Videos and images circulating from the scene showed a visible fire, a thick plume of smoke and bright orange flames close to the doorway.
Officers on scene restrained and arrested the suspect shortly after the flames began, the FBI said. The building houses an immigration court and other federal offices; agents described the incident as a targeted attack on the federal facility in Lower Manhattan.
Andrew Arrabaca: court appearance and charges
Arrabaca appeared in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday and did not enter a plea, court records cited by Fox News show. He has been charged in federal court with arson in connection with the incident outside 26 Federal Plaza.
Federal officials said Arrabaca has remained in custody since his arrest. Prosecutors signaled the case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, with additional pretrial scheduling, potential detention hearings and routine motions expected in the coming days.
Alleged motive and background
The FBI told reporters that Arrabaca served as a mechanic on Patriot missile systems while in the U.S. Army. James Barnacle, the FBI’s assistant director in charge in New York, was quoted by the agency as saying Arrabaca expressed anti-ICE and anti-government views and calling him an extremist.
Barnacle was quoted as saying, “He is an anti-American, anti-government extremist.” The FBI also said Arrabaca made statements during the incident suggesting he was “okay if he hurt or killed people going in and out of the building, whether they were federal employees or civilians,” an allegation the bureau attributed to its investigation.
Public voter records show Arrabaca was registered as a Democrat and had been associated with the Working Families party, providing limited public context about his civic registration prior to the incident.
Weapons, injuries and evidence recovered
Authorities reported Arrabaca fired between five and seven pellets from an airsoft-style rifle toward the building and recovered an airsoft pellet gun at the scene. Investigators also said they found two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives on or near the suspect when he was taken into custody.
Federal prosecutors told reporters they believe Arrabaca had been preparing the attack since January, alleging purchases of supplies and visits to locations in New York as part of their investigative account. Those planning allegations remain subject to proof in court.
The FBI said two people sustained injuries during the incident; one of those hurt was described as an immigrant who had been at the building for a hearing that morning. Officials have not detailed the full medical status of the injured beyond initial statements and have not characterized the injuries as life-threatening in public remarks to date.
Defense claims and next legal steps
Defense attorneys told reporters that Arrabaca has mental health issues and have requested that he be transferred to a Department of Veterans Affairs mental health hospital for evaluation and treatment. The defense petition seeks clinical assessment and care through veterans’ health services as part of its case strategy.
Prosecutors, in turn, have alleged planning and preparation dating back to January. Those assertions are part of the public record from investigators and will be tested through court filings, evidentiary exchanges and upcoming hearings.
Court proceedings will address pretrial custody and the defense request for VA mental health evaluation. Federal prosecutors may pursue additional charges or file motions as the investigation and evidence review continue; judges will rule on detention, discovery disputes and any requests for competency or medical evaluations under applicable federal law.
Frequently asked questions
What charges does Andrew Arrabaca face?
Arrabaca has been charged with arson in connection with the fire outside 26 Federal Plaza, according to federal court records and reporting. He did not enter a plea at his initial appearance.
Were there any injuries at 26 Federal Plaza?
Authorities said two people were hurt during the incident. The FBI reported that one of those injured was an immigrant who had been at the building for a hearing. Officials have not provided a detailed medical status beyond initial statements.
What evidence have authorities cited against Arrabaca?
Investigators cited surveillance videos and images showing the fire and smoke, reports that Arrabaca fired pellets from an airsoft-style rifle, and the recovery of weapons including axes, a hammer, a machete and several knives. Prosecutors also allege Arrabaca purchased supplies and scouted sites beginning in January.
Federal authorities and local reporting remain the primary sources for details about the investigation and charges. The FBI provided on-scene statements and characterized some statements and motives as part of its inquiry; defense attorneys have urged mental health evaluation through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Source attribution: Fox News reporting and FBI statements. Fox News report: https://www.foxnews.com/us/army-veteran-faces-arson-charge-fire-attack-outside-nyc-federal-building
