Man arrested after fire, fireworks and incendiary device incident outside FBI headquarters in New York: Report

A man was taken into custody on Monday (July 20) after allegedly setting off fireworks, igniting a fire and deploying an incendiary device outside a Lower Manhattan federal building that houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI's New York field office and immigration courts.

Authorities said the incident occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza, a building that has become a focal point for protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating.

Fire and fireworks outside Federal Plaza

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the incident unfolded at around 8:20 a.m. when the suspect allegedly launched fireworks outside the building before pouring what authorities believe was gasoline on the entrance steps and setting them ablaze.

Witness videos showed flames and thick smoke rising outside the building as security personnel tackled the suspect moments after the fire erupted.

DHS: Suspect carried anti-ICE material

Federal officials said the suspect was carrying anti-ICE material.

According to DHS, officers recovered a bag containing two pellet guns and what the agency described as a "manifesto."

A Reuters photographer also observed a sign in the suspect's cart reading: "ICE off our streets."

A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said preliminary evidence suggested the individual was carrying anti-ICE material.

DHS calls suspect an 'anti-ICE rioter'

In a statement posted on X, the Department of Homeland Security described the suspect as an "anti-ICE rioter."

"The fireworks grazed a bystander," DHS said, adding that the suspect "poured what is believed to be gasoline on the stairs of the entrance of the building and set it on fire."

The department also said a Federal Protective Service officer who detained the suspect sustained minor injuries.

Authorities have not released the suspect's identity or announced criminal charges.

FBI launches terrorism investigation

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.

"This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York," Patel wrote on X.

"The individual is in custody."

He added that two people suffered minor injuries during the incident.

Minor injuries reported

Authorities said the fireworks grazed one bystander, while the Federal Protective Service officer who subdued the suspect sustained minor injuries.

The New York Fire Department (FDNY) said one person was transported to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

Mayor Mamdani condemns incident

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the attack as "deeply disturbing" and confirmed that city officials were coordinating with federal investigators.

"What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing," Mamdani said.

"I'm relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody."

He added that his administration would support the ongoing federal investigation.

Jeffries: 'Acts of terror and violence have no place'

House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the attack.

"Acts of terror and violence have no place in our City and will never be tolerated," Jeffries said in a statement.

"The individual responsible for this must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Building central to immigration enforcement

The incident occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza, a major federal complex that houses the FBI's New York field office, ICE offices and immigration courts.

Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive, and the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force continues to examine the recovered evidence, including the suspected manifesto and other materials seized at the scene.

(With inputs from AP, Reuters, AFP)