NEW YORK, July 21 (Our New York News) — Law enforcement sources identified Andrew Arrabaca, 43, as the suspect in an alleged incendiary-device attack outside 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, according to ABC News and Fox News.
The case centers on a federal building in lower Manhattan that houses an immigration court and, in some descriptions, ICE and FBI offices. Because the incident happened on federal property, federal authorities were involved.
What happened?
ABC News reported that FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said Arrabaca allegedly poured gasoline outside 26 Federal Plaza and ignited it with a lighter and a large firework in a canister.
An incendiary device is a fire-starting device. In this case, officials described an alleged attempt to set fire outside a federal building, not a completed bombing case.
Officials said three people suffered minor injuries, according to ABC News quoting the FBI. A separate FBI social media post quoted in another report said two minor injuries were reported, so the number of people hurt is not consistent across the supplied material.
Who is Andrew Arrabaca?
The available reporting identifies Arrabaca as the person law enforcement had in custody after the incident. At the time ABC News published its report, no charges had been filed.
The supplied material does not include a complaint, indictment, or arrest affidavit, so the exact charges, if any, are not yet clear from these sources.
What did officials say was found?
Barnacle told ABC News that Arrabaca had two axes, a hammer, a machete, three knives and several incendiary devices.
Barnacle also said Arrabaca had a cart with anti-ICE literature and yelled derogatory terms toward ICE during the arrest. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the cart had a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets.”
Fox News reported, citing two law enforcement sources, that Arrabaca had “anti-ICE stuff” on him at the time of the alleged attack.
Why does 26 Federal Plaza matter?
26 Federal Plaza is a major federal site in Manhattan. The building is described in the supplied reporting as housing an immigration court, and some reports also say it contains ICE and FBI offices.
That location helps explain why multiple agencies were involved and why the case falls under federal law-enforcement attention rather than only local police response.
What is still unknown?
The public reporting provided here does not show what charges prosecutors may file, or whether the case will be brought in federal court. It also does not establish a motive in a court filing.
The anti-ICE material described by officials may be important to investigators, but it is not the same as proof of intent in court.
In cases like this, the key distinction is between allegations and findings. A suspect can be identified and detained while the legal process is still beginning, and no criminal charge has been announced yet.
