Arson charge lodged against ex-Army soldier in fiery attack on Manhattan federal building
Andrew Arrabaca, a former Army soldier, has been charged with arson following a fiery attack on a federal building in Manhattan that houses immigration court. The incident occurred on July 20, 2026, when Arrabaca allegedly set a sidewalk fire, ignited fireworks, and fired a pellet gun at the building, injuring three people. Authorities stated Arrabaca made anti-government statements and confessed to the attack, indicating he was aware of and willing to accept the risk of harming people. He was apprehended by security officers after dragging a cart with an "ICE Off Our Streets" sign to an employee entrance. Arrabaca was detained without bail, with prosecutors citing him as a danger to the community and a flight risk, while his defense sought psychiatric evaluation.