Video shows 'anti-ICE' Army veteran ignite fire outside NYC federal building before arrest
#BREAKING: New footage shows anti-ICE activist set fire outside immigration court in NYC. pic.twitter.com/5QncPG0KMD
— Insider Wire (@InsiderWire) July 20, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: Dramatic videos circulating online captured the moments an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activist allegedly ignited an incendiary device outside a federal building in New York City, before he was tackled and arrested by federal agents in an attack that authorities described as politically motivated.
The incident unfolded at 8.20 am on Monday, July 20, outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, a federal complex housing the FBI, ICE, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and an immigration court. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the entrance as law enforcement officers rushed to detain the suspect, identified as Andrew Arrabaca, 43, a former US Army soldier.
Video captures chaotic moments before suspect is subdued
Footage from the scene shows heavy smoke outside the building as officers converge on Arrabaca moments after the fire erupted. According to investigators, Arrabaca allegedly ignited a bundle of commercial-grade fireworks, poured gasoline or another flammable liquid outside the entrance, and set it ablaze using a lighter.
Officials said he also fired five to seven airsoft pellets toward the building before being wrestled to the ground by federal agents. Videos further showed officers leading the helmeted suspect away in handcuffs as emergency crews extinguished the blaze.
Authorities recovered two airsoft guns, fireworks, incendiary devices, two axes, a machete, three knives and a hammer from the suspect. A cart carrying anti-ICE literature and a sign reading "ICE Off Our Streets" was also seized. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has described Arrabaca as an "anti-ICE rioter."
At approximately 8:20 AM, an anti-ICE rioter launched fireworks outside of 26 Federal Plaza, grazing a bystander and poured what is believed to be gasoline on the stairs of the entrance of the building and set it on fire.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 20, 2026
A FPS Protective Security Officer swiftly tackled and… https://t.co/YMHznaInWW
FBI calls suspect an 'anti-government extremist'
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle described Arrabaca as an "anti-American, anti-government extremist" who admitted after his arrest that he had deliberately targeted the federal building and was willing to hurt or kill anyone entering or leaving it.
"He came armed with bad intentions," Barnacle said, adding that the suspect specifically targeted the building because it houses immigration-related agencies.
The FBI says the man accused of igniting an incendiary device outside a federal building in New York City has been identified as 43-year-old former U.S. Army soldier Andrew Arrabaca. According to the FBI, Arrabaca served from 2001 to 2005 as a Patriot missile systems mechanic.… pic.twitter.com/q3CxxbqlIu
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 20, 2026
Three people sustained minor injuries, including two federal employees and one civilian who had arrived for an immigration hearing. One victim was grazed by fireworks, while another suffered minor injuries while helping subdue the suspect.
Arrabaca served in the US Army from 2001 to 2005 as a Patriot missile systems mechanic before leaving the military with the rank of specialist.
The FBI's Joint Te**orism Task Force is leading the investigation, while charges are expected to be filed federally. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack as "deeply disturbing," saying city officials would fully support the federal investigation and hold accountable anyone who threatens public safety.
