Veteran from Harlem accused of setting fire, firing pellet gun outside federal building now in custody
Andrew Arrabaca doused the street in gasoline and ignited it Monday, sending flames rippling down the block before officers tackled him, according to law enforcement.
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A 43-year-old man is in custody after authorities say he set fire to the sidewalk outside 26 Federal Plaza and fired pellet guns at bystanders in an attack federal officials are calling anti-American and anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement motivated.
Andrew Arrabaca doused the street in gasoline and ignited it Monday, sending flames rippling down the block before officers tackled him, according to law enforcement. Video captured by terrified onlookers showed the fire and smoke as Arrabaca shouted anti-ICE statements, authorities said.
“Oh my God, he’s setting the street on fire — he is shooting at people,” one witness is heard saying in video of the incident.
Authorities said Arrabaca also had a machete, fireworks and multiple knives with him during the attack, stowed inside a wagon that read “ICE off our streets." He is a combat veteran who served from 2001 to 2005, officials said.
FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle said Arrabaca was targeting the federal building and gave authorities a post-arrest interview.
“He was targeting the building, and he was OK if he hurt or killed people going in and out of the building, whether they were federal employees or civilians,” Barnacle said.
Three people were injured in the attack, officials said. One of the injured civilians had been at the building for a naturalization hearing. The attack also disrupted legal immigration ceremonies that had been scheduled inside the building that morning.
The front of 26 Federal Plaza remained blocked off Monday night. Arrabaca is being held in custody inside the same building he is accused of attacking.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
