The anti-ICE suspect behind Monday's attack at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City — the site of many federal agencies, including the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) —“came armed with bad intentions,” according to federal prosecutors, and they are formally charging the Army vet with arson.
The suspect, 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca, appeared in a federal courtroom Tuesday but did not enter a plea.
UPDATE: Andrew Arrabaca has been formally charged with arson for allegedly setting a fire outside 26 Federal Plaza in NYC, throwing fireworks into the flames, and firing a pellet gun toward the building. A judge denied the defense’s request for bail. His next court hearing is…
— Brooke Taylor (@Brooketaylortv) July 21, 2026
UPDATE: Andrew Arrabaca has been formally charged with arson for allegedly setting a fire outside 26 Federal Plaza in NYC, throwing fireworks into the flames, and firing a pellet gun toward the building. A judge denied the defense’s request for bail. His next court hearing is August 4.
In court, federal prosecutors argued Arrabaca should stay behind bars because he poses both a danger to the community and a flight risk. They said he began planning the attack in January, chose the entrance because it was busy with federal employees and members of the public, and admitted he knew people could be hurt and accepted that risk.
The defense argued Arrabaca is an Army veteran with no criminal record who is struggling with underlying mental health issues. They asked that he be released on his own recognizance so he could receive treatment at a VA psychiatric facility.
The judge said she was not convinced he would comply with treatment if released and described the charges against him as troubling.
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The judge, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky, said the alleged crime was deeply concerning and noted that it was planned well in advance:
"The crime you’re charged with is troubling," said Tarnofsky, who immediately conducted a bail hearing and ordered Arrabaca to be released to a mental health facility. The judge said the alleged attack was "planned over time" and "wasn't something that was done on a Sunday."
Arrabaca, who served as a mechanic on Patriot missile systems in the Army, harbored anti-ICE and anti-government views, James Barnacle, assistant director in charge of the FBI's New York Field Office, said Monday.
"He is an anti-American, anti-government extremist," Barnacle told reporters at the scene.
Voter records show he has registered as a Democrat and was a member of the left-wing Working Families party.
By all appearances, it appears this guy was prepared to inflict maximum damage:
🗞️Federal prosecutors included these images from inside 26 Federal Plaza during Monday’s arson attack, showing bystanders just a few feet away from the firebomb.
— Michael Ruiz (@mikerreports) July 22, 2026
At least one person was injured by explosive debris, suffering from a gash in the back of their head, according to… pic.twitter.com/vStK9dTF6S
🗞️Federal prosecutors included these images from inside 26 Federal Plaza during Monday’s arson attack, showing bystanders just a few feet away from the firebomb.
At least one person was injured by explosive debris, suffering from a gash in the back of their head, according to court filings. Two other people suffered minor injuries.
Suspect Andrew Arrabaca faces a federal arson charge. However, authorities say came armed to the teeth with “bad intentions.” Into addition to fireworks and a can of gas, they say he was carrying multiple bladed weapons, a hammer and multiple pellet/BB guns.
Previously released video shows a man alleged to be Arrabaca dumping the gas on the steps and lighting it on fire.
As we’ve reported extensively, the endless incendiary anti-ICE rhetoric from the Left is sure to accomplish one thing: radicalizing troubled minds and pushing them toward violence. It would appear once again that in this case, they’ve accomplished their goal.
Editor’s Note: Democrats are fanning the flames and raising the rhetoric by comparing ICE to the Gestapo, fascists, and secret police.
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