Who Is Andrew Arrabaca? Anti-ICE Suspect Arrested in NYC Federal Plaza Fire

The anti-ICE suspect accused of setting off fireworks and igniting a fire outside 26 Federal Plaza on Monday is a former U.S. Army soldier, an FBI official said. The suspect, identified by FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle as Army veteran Andrew Arrabaca, 43, was taken into custody following the incident outside the Lower Manhattan federal building, which houses agencies including the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Barnacle said, "He is an anti-American, anti-government extremist."

An Federal Protective Security Officer swiftly tackled and detained the agitator, sustaining minor injuries during the incident, according to a DHS statement.

Arrabaca poured gasoline onto the ground and ignited it with a lighter and an incendiary device. That device was a firework—a large firework in a canister. He then pulled out an airsoft rifle and fired five to seven pellets.

Three people—two federal employees and a civilian—suffered minor injuries and were treated and released.

The suspect's cart carried "anti-ICE literature," and Arrabaca "yelled derogatory terms to ICE" during the arrest.