U.S. Attorney Breon S. Peace | U.S. Department of Justice
Atahualpa Rodriguez has pleaded guilty to arson in a federal court in Brooklyn for setting fire to an apartment building in Flushing, Queens. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Allyne R. Ross. Rodriguez could face a prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years.
Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the plea along with Robert S. Tucker, Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
“Today, the defendant admitted that he deliberately set fire to an apartment building in the pre-dawn darkness while many tenants slept," stated United States Attorney Peace. "His actions showed complete disregard for human life and placed hundreds of people in grave danger over a personal dispute."
FDNY Commissioner Tucker highlighted the severity of Rodriguez's actions: “Deliberately setting a fire is an egregious crime that deserves severe punishment.” He noted that three firefighters were injured during their response to the incident.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch expressed relief that injuries were not more severe and praised first responders: “Deliberate criminal activity...poses a significant threat to both first responders and private citizens.”
The arson took place on January 12, 2022, following a dispute between Rodriguez and tenants of one unit within the multi-story building on Parsons Boulevard. The building housed approximately 175 units with hundreds of residents. During the early morning hours, a resident awoke to find their apartment ablaze after hearing breaking glass and an expletive shouted by Rodriguez.
The fire resulted in about $1 million worth of damage and led to injuries among firefighters responding to the scene—one suffered burns while another was hospitalized due to inhaling contaminated air.
Assistant United States Attorney Adam Amir is overseeing prosecution efforts against Rodriguez.
