New York incident: gunman sets fire outside federal building, two people injured

A armed man triggered a fire outside a federal building in New York City early Monday, injuring two people before being apprehended by authorities. The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. local time at 26 Federal Plaza, according to police reports. Emergency responders arrived quickly and subdued the suspect, who was found to be armed with a handgun. Two individuals were treated for minor injuries, one a federal employee and another a civilian, before being released. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed, was described by officials as having poured some kind of liquid onto the ground before placing several fireworks devices and igniting them, which led to a small fire. Firefighters were called to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames within minutes. Video footage captured by nearby cameras shows agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, responding swiftly to the situation. The presence of multiple law enforcement agencies underscores the seriousness of the incident. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel confirmed that the case is under investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Patel emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing threats to public safety. “What happened yesterday is deeply concerning,” he wrote. “We take all such incidents very seriously and will pursue justice through the full extent of the law.” James Barnacle Jr., assistant director of the New York Field Office of the FBI, provided further details during a press briefing. He stated that the suspect had been identified and was in custody. According to Barnacle, the individual had appeared to be carrying a type of flammable substance, which he later ignited using pyrotechnic materials. “He set off a small fire,” Barnacle explained. “It was contained quickly, and no major damage was done.” Both injured parties were assessed by medical personnel on-site and released without requiring hospitalization. New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed his relief that no one was seriously harmed and praised the quick response of emergency services. “This is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness,” he said in a statement. “Our city is safe because of the dedication of our first responders and the cooperation of all community members.” Councilman Hakeem Jeffries, representing a district in Brooklyn, echoed this sentiment. “Terrorism and violence have no place in our city, and we will not tolerate them,” he added. “The responsible party must be held accountable under the full scope of the law.” Authorities have not yet revealed whether the suspect had any prior criminal record or connection to extremist groups. However, the involvement of the FBI suggests that the incident is being treated with high priority. Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage and conducting interviews with witnesses to determine the motive behind the act. The location of the attack, near a federal building, has raised concerns among officials about potential security vulnerabilities. As investigations continue, local residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some have criticized the incident as a sign of growing instability, while others have praised the swift action taken by law enforcement. Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions about public safety and the need for increased security measures in urban areas. Meanwhile, government officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining order and protecting citizens from acts of violence.