A suspect was taken into custody Monday after allegedly setting off an incendiary device outside a federal complex in Lower Manhattan that houses offices for the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 a.m. outside 26 Federal Plaza, sending smoke billowing across the plaza and prompting officials to order people inside the building to shelter in place.
“This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on social media. “The individual is in custody and two minor injuries reported thus far. FBI JTTF is investigating the incident.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said the two people injured were a federal employee and a civilian. Both were treated and released, according to ABC News.
Barnacle described the incident as an “anti-government attack on a federal facility.”
Authorities believe the suspect used fireworks to ignite a flammable liquid, creating a large burst of flames outside the building. Video reportedly captured the individual pouring the liquid before setting it ablaze.
CNN correspondent Gloria Pazmino initially reported that the makeshift device appeared to consist of “fireworks and a flammable liquid,” citing a law enforcement source.
“We also understand that a person was taken into custody immediately after the smoke started going off,” Pazmino said.
Investigators were examining a cart the suspect allegedly brought to the scene. Authorities said it contained additional fireworks, an apparent pellet or airsoft gun and a sign reading, “ICE Off Our Streets.”
Law enforcement officials told ABC7 New York that the suspect was believed to have a history of anti-ICE activity. The suspect’s identity had not been publicly released, and authorities had not announced formal charges as of Monday morning.
The New York Post reported that the suspect allegedly threatened passersby with what appeared to be airsoft rifles before federal officers arrested him at the scene. CBS News reported that officers also recovered carbon dioxide cartridges, lighting equipment and a helmet.
The NYPD Bomb Squad examined the suspect’s cart as a precaution, while officials said there was no immediate indication of a broader threat.
The 41-story Jacob K. Javits Federal Building houses ICE’s New York field office, federal immigration courts, the FBI and several other government agencies.
The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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You can thank Mamdani and his ilk with their ugly socialist ranting and raving for events like this!