Federal authorities announced charges on July 21 against Andrew Arrabaca, who was arrested for setting a fire outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan. Arrabaca was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky following his arrest.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said, “As alleged, the defendant caused a scene of destruction and mayhem by setting a fire at the entrance to a federal building in lower Manhattan which houses thousands of federal employees and receives hundreds of visitors daily. I am thankful for the brave, swift response of our law enforcement partners who stopped the defendant before he could cause greater harm. Once again, our bravest ran to the fire. Anyone who commits reckless acts that endanger New Yorkers and federal employees on federal property will be subject to serious federal criminal charges.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr., said, “Andrew Arrabaca allegedly attempted to disrupt and harm the individuals and infrastructure of 26 Federal Plaza. His alleged acts appear to have been motivated by his anti-government and anti-ICE beliefs. His unlawful conduct was immediately thwarted by the heroic response of the Federal Protective Service Officers, NYPD Officers, FBI Special Agents, and FBI Police Officers. FBI New York has zero tolerance for violence targeted at federal employees who choose to serve all Americans.”
According to authorities, on July 20 Arrabaca set off fireworks in front of 26 Federal Plaza and shot a BB rifle toward the building before pouring flammable liquid outside an entrance and igniting it into flames. He then threw additional fireworks into the fire before being apprehended as an explosion occurred nearby.
Arrabaca was reportedly wearing military-style clothing with tactical gear containing BB pellets and carbon dioxide cartridges; he also carried weapons including knives, rifles (BB gun/pellet), machetes, hatchets, mallets, hammers, as well as fireworks labeled “Nuclear Warhead.” Authorities stated that during a post-arrest interview, Arrabaca indicated he acted out of anti-government beliefs.
Arrabaca is charged with destruction of property owned or leased by the United States by means of fire or explosives causing personal injury or substantial risk thereof—a charge carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment up to forty years maximum if convicted.