Army veteran allegedly lit fire outside federal building in lower Manhattan, FBI says

A former U.S. Army and National Guard servicemember was arrested after allegedly setting a fire and detonating fireworks outside a federal building in lower Manhattan that houses immigration courts and government offices.

The suspect, 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca, allegedly used gasoline and an incendiary device, injuring four people before being tackled by security.

The FBI said Arrabaca was armed with multiple weapons, including axes, knives, a machete, and airsoft rifles, and that investigators are examining a possible anti-ICE motive.

The incident prompted a major security response, with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force leading the investigation and the area closed for evidence collection, NBC 4 New York has reported.

Officials said no one suffered life-threatening injuries, and authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s background and possible motivations.