The morning of Monday, July 20, 2026, began with chaos in Lower Manhattan as a violent attack unfolded outside the 26 Federal Plaza building. At approximately 8:20 a.m., Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old Army veteran, initiated a series of violent actions that would leave four civilians injured and disrupt the daily operations of a critical federal facility.

The incident, which began with the ignition of fireworks and the deliberate setting of gasoline ablaze, quickly escalated as Arrabaca unleashed a barrage of pellets from an airsoft rifle. The scene was one of panic and confusion, with federal employees and civilians alike scrambling for safety. The building, a hub for immigration services and federal operations, became the epicenter of a terrifying display of violence.

The Suspect: Andrew Arrabaca

Andrew Arrabaca, a resident of Poughkeepsie, New York, was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement at the scene. Described by authorities as an anti-government extremist Arrabaca had a troubling arsenal at his disposal, including two axes, a hammer, a machete, and three knives. His actions were not those of a mere protester but of an individual with clear intentions to cause harm.

Arrabaca’s background as an Army veteran, having served from 2001 to 2005 and worked as a mechanic on missile systems, added a layer of complexity to the investigation. The discovery of a manifesto in his possession further underscored his extremist leanings and anti-ICE sentiments. The presence of anti-ICE literature on a cart near the scene reinforced the targeted nature of his attack.

The Incident: A Timeline of Terror

The events of that fateful Monday morning unfolded with alarming speed. At 8:20 a.m., Arrabaca ignited fireworks outside the 26 Federal Plaza building, grazing a bystander in the process. He then proceeded to pour gasoline on the stairs of the entrance and set it ablaze, creating a wall of flames and smoke that billowed into the sky. The fire department received a call about the outdoor fire at 8:30 a.m., but by then, the damage had already been done.

Arrabaca’s actions did not stop there. He fired five to seven pellets from an airsoft rifle, targeting the building and its occupants. The Federal Protective Service police officer who tackled and apprehended him prevented further harm. The incident resulted in minor injuries to four civilians, with three treated by EMS at the scene and one transported to the hospital.

The Aftermath: A City on Edge

The attack on 26 Federal Plaza sent shockwaves through the city. The building, a vital hub for immigration services, including court hearings and appointments with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), was temporarily disrupted. A naturalization ceremony scheduled for that day was canceled, adding to the sense of unease.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his concern over the incident, calling it deeply disturbing. He assured the public that his administration would support the federal investigation and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers. The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation, with officials describing Arrabaca as an anti-ICE rioter.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by federal facilities and the importance of vigilance in protecting public safety. As the investigation continues, the city remains on high alert, determined to bring those responsible to justice and prevent such acts of violence in the future.