'Anti-ICE' Army veteran set fire outside Manhattan federal building, say officials
A former US Army soldier, Andrew Arrabaca, was arrested after setting a fire and using weapons outside a federal building in New York City. Officials described the incident as an anti-government act targeting an immigration facility.
Why it matters
The incident highlights rising tensions surrounding immigration policy and the potential for extremist violence at federal sites.
Image source, Robert Sullivan/AP By Sareen Habeshian Published 3 hours ago A former US Army soldier has been arrested after igniting a fire in front of a federal building in New York City, says the FBI.
Andrew Arrabaca, 43, allegedly shot a pellet gun and set off fireworks on Monday morning at 26 Federal Plaza, where the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and US Citizenship and Immigration Services have offices.
Federal agents tackled the suspect, who they say was armed with a machete and other weapons.
Three people sustained minor injuries in the incident, including an immigrant who was attending a status hearing, said the FBI. The lower Manhattan site has become a flashpoint for protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
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