'Anti-ICE' army veteran started fire outside Manhattan federal building, say officials

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" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="142597" data-entity-type="organization">Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Immigration-services" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="1849" data-entity-type="organization">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.The suspect, whom the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called an "anti-ICE rioter", launched fireworks before pouring an accelerant on the stairs of an entrance to the building, causing a fire. The BBC has contacted DHS for comment.The fire department put out the blaze.Arrabaca "made several anti-government and anti-ICE statements during the incident", the FBI said.FBI New York Assistant Director James Barnacle said during a news conference that Arrabaca was armed with two axes, a machete, three knives and fireworks.