Authorities have now identified the man allegedly behind the attack at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City this morning, the site of many federal agencies, including the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle identified the suspect as Andrew Arrabaca, 43, and said he was in custody and had been interviewed. He lit a fire in front of the building, including with a firework, and fired an airsoft rifle and five to six pellets toward the building.
🚨 BREAKING: The FBI confirms anti-ICE terrorist Andrew Arrabaca poured gasoline at the employee entrance to Federal Plaza in NYC, and ignited it with a lighter and "incendiary device"
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 20, 2026
He needs to be charged with TERRORISM
Arrabaca had 2 axes, a hammer, machete, three knives, a… pic.twitter.com/YHkm8iZf3i
Barnacle said Arrabaca had been a U.S. Army soldier from 2001-2005, and he repaired Patriot missile systems.
There were three injuries, he said, updating the number they gave earlier. He explained the three were a civilian and two government employees.
Barnacle asserted that Arrabaca came armed with "bad intentions."
"The building was attacked. Arrabaca was looking to injure people and harm people,' Barnacle explained.
"He had two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives," as well as six incendiary devices and other destructive items, Barnacle said.
READ MORE: Breaking: Explosion Outside 26 Federal Plaza in NYC
More Details on 'Explosion' at NYC Fed HQs, Now Being Investigated As 'Anti-Government Attack'
Barnacle explained he had anti-ICE material on his cart, and termed him an "antigovernment extremist."
🚨 BREAKING: FBI CONFIRMS the leftist terrorist shouted OBSCENITIES towards ICE agents after he set fire outside the ICE NYC field office
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 20, 2026
What a freaking scumbag.
The suspect, Andrew Arrabaca, had anti-ICE signs on his cart as well.
"He is an anti-American, anti-government… pic.twitter.com/Hh429879k6
The suspect said he was "okay" if he hurt or killed people, according to Barnacle.
Barnacle said one naturalization ceremony was cancelled for the day because of the attack, and the one civilian injured was an "immigrant" there for an immigration hearing, which Barnacle termed "quite ironic," given the sentiments of the suspect.
I noted what Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in my earlier story, but isn't it interesting how he can't even say what happened in his post, talking about "what occurred."
What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing. I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody. My team is in touch with the NYPD and we will support the federal investigation.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 20, 2026
Our administration will continue to ensure that…
What occurred is an apparent attack on a federal building by a guy who is anti-ICE after Democrats and radicals like Mamdani have whipped up anti-ICE rhetoric for months. He and the rest need to stop that, but you know they wouldn't.
Editor’s Note: Democrat politicians and their radical supporters will do everything they can to interfere with and threaten ICE agents enforcing our immigration laws.
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