A man has been taken into custody after an explosion rang out outside a federal building. As reported by CBS News New York, the incident happened outside of 26 Federal Plaza.
The building houses many federal agencies, like the FBI, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The explosion itself occurred on the morning of Monday, July 20. Authorities rushed the area where the explosion had occurred, where they found an armed man.
He had two realistic-looking airsoft rifles with carbon dioxide cartridges as well as halogen lighting, along with a helmet. Law enforcement services explained that one of the guns was a "long gun" which was being carried in a grocery cart. Footage from the incident shows the man being tackled and later taken into custody, per TMZ.
Authorities suspect that a garbage can near the federal building exploded. Authorities say the current evidence shows that fireworks alongside an accelerant such as gasoline were involved.
Firefighters also explained that four people were injured from the explosion - they clarified that the injuries were non life-threatening. However, one has been taken to a local hospital.
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Federal Authorities Released a Statement About the Explosion
Per NBC New York, FBI director Kash Patel released a statement about the incident.
"This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York. The individual is in custody," he wrote.
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani also released a statement on social media. It reads, "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."
Per the outlet, four sources have identified a possible suspect as 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca. They explained that he may have had "emotional issues", although this is not clear.
What is also not clear is the motive. Although an anti-ICE placard reading "ICE OFF OUR STREETS" was found with the suspect, no clear motivation has been identified at this time.
We hope that this situation is resolved swiftly. Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured from this attack.
