A Brooklyn man, Bryan Oviedo, has been charged in federal court with setting fire to a church and a residential apartment building on August 20, 2025. Oviedo was arrested in Brooklyn on September 13 and is scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Robert M. Levy.
The arrest and charges were announced by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Robert S. Tucker, Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
“As alleged in the complaint, Oviedo went on a pre-dawn spree in residential neighborhoods in Brooklyn during which he set fire to multiple buildings, including a church and a residential building, while families slept inside, endangering lives and causing first responders to race to the scenes of these arsons,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute this type of violent conduct, and work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our most sacred places, including homes and places of worship.”
“This arrest marks a critical step in restoring safety and peace of mind to our community,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller. “The collaborative efforts between law enforcement, fire investigators, and the public were instrumental in bringing this individual to justice. We remain committed working with our Federal and State partners to hold accountable those who threaten lives and property through acts of deliberate destruction.”
“While New Yorkers were asleep in the dead of night, Bryan Oviedo allegedly put them and their neighbors in grave danger by lighting their residences and a church on fire,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Our homes and houses of worship stand as walls of safety for every community, and I am thankful for the quick response of the police officers and firefighters who put their lives at risk to contain these flames. The NYPD will continue to work with our partners in the FDNY, ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure this arsonist is held fully accountable.”
“Arson is a reckless crime that places innocent New Yorkers and our first responders in harm’s way,” stated FDNY Commissioner Tucker. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our Fire Marshals, the NYPD, the ATF, and the U.S Attorney’s Office, this dangerous perpetrator has been removed from the City’s streets and will be brought to justice. This arrest demonstrates the strength of our public safety partnerships and how together we keep New Yorkers safe every day.”
According to information detailed in court documents, surveillance footage captured Oviedo between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., carrying out acts across Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights neighborhoods. He was seen carrying a trash bag while wearing distinctive clothing as he rode public transit before setting fires at around 20 locations.
One video shows him igniting a trash can under columns at a church located at 520 Clinton Avenue; another depicts flames erupting from a porch area at 870 Pacific Street after his approach.
Oviedo faces charges that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment if convicted; he could receive up to twenty years.
Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Reich and Andy Palacio are prosecuting this case through the General Crimes Section.
Bryan Oviedo is 32 years old from Brooklyn.
The charge against him is an allegation; he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
