Person in custody after starting fire outside New York federal building, FBI says
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A person started a fire outside a New York federal building housing an immigration court by setting off fireworks and pouring gasoline on stairs.
- The suspect was tackled by a security officer and taken into custody; they were carrying anti-ICE material and pellet guns.
- A bystander was grazed by fireworks, and the security officer sustained minor injuries; the FBI is investigating the incident.
A person set off fireworks and started a fire outside a New York federal building on Monday morning, authorities reported. The building at 26 Federal Plaza houses an immigration court and other government offices.
Video footage shows a security officer tackling the individual, who was then taken into custody. Preliminary information gathered by law enforcement indicates the person was carrying anti-ICE material and what appeared to be two pellet guns. The Department of Homeland Security stated the individual poured gasoline on the stairs to an entrance and set it on fire.
A bystander was grazed by fireworks, and the security officer who intervened sustained minor injuries. One person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed relief that no one was seriously injured and confirmed a suspect is in custody, pledging support for the federal investigation.
The FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident. The building has previously been a site for demonstrations against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing. I'm relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody.
Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.