Ein Veteran der "Anti-ICE"-Armee hat vor dem Bundesgebäude in Manhattan das Feuer eröffnet, sagen Beamte.

A former U.S. Army soldier has been arrested following a violent confrontation outside a federal building in Manhattan, authorities confirmed. Andrew Arrabaca, 43, allegedly ignited a fire and brandished multiple weapons at 26 Federal Plaza on Monday morning. The location houses offices of the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Federal agents intervened, subduing Arrabaca, who was reportedly armed with a machete and other weapons. Three individuals suffered minor injuries during the incident, including an immigrant participating in a status hearing, according to the FBI. The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m., when Arrabaca allegedly discharged an airsoft gun, firing approximately five to seven pellets toward the building. He then initiated a sequence of actions that led to a fire. First, he launched fireworks, followed by pouring an accelerant onto the stairs leading into the building’s entrance. Firefighters responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze. During the confrontation, Arrabaca made several verbal threats directed at both the government and ICE, as noted by the FBI. Law enforcement described the suspect as an “anti-ICE rioter,” per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to FBI New York Assistant Director James Barnacle, Arrabaca was equipped with two axes, a machete, three knives, and fireworks. Two of the injured were identified as government employees, while a bystander sustained a graze wound. A security officer who engaged Arrabaca during the arrest also incurred minor injuries. Barnacle characterized the individual as an “anti-American, anti-government extremist.” Arrabaca, originally from Poughkeepsie, New York, served in the regular Army from 2001 to 2004 and later in the Army National Guard, New York from 2004 to 2005. His military records indicate he did not participate in overseas deployments and retired from the service with the rank of specialist. The FBI has begun an investigation into the incident, which has drawn attention due to its proximity to ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and law enforcement practices. The Lower Manhattan area, where the incident occurred, has emerged as a focal point for demonstrations opposing former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Protests have frequently targeted federal buildings housing ICE and related agencies, reflecting broader societal divisions over immigration reform and border control measures. The current situation underscores the volatile nature of these discussions, particularly in light of recent legislative efforts and public discourse. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed concern over the incident, calling it “deeply disturbing” in a statement posted on X. He emphasized the city’s commitment to public safety and vowed to hold accountable anyone who endangers it. The mayor’s remarks align with broader calls for accountability and transparency in handling incidents involving public safety and national security concerns. Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the fire and reviewing all available evidence related to Arrabaca’s actions. Further legal proceedings are anticipated, with potential charges pending. As investigations continue, the case highlights the complex interplay between personal grievances, political activism, and the maintenance of public order in a highly polarized environment.