An apparent anti-ICE protester set a massive fire with an incendiary device outside of Lower Manhattan’s immigration court on Monday morning and threatened those nearby with a firearm, sources told amNewYork.
The incident happened near the entrance of 26 Federal Plaza, near Worth and Lafayette Streets, just before 8:40 a.m. on July 20. The site has become infamous over the past year as ICE agents have arrested numerous immigrants who came there to attend legally mandated court hearings.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, a man approached the entrance to 26 Federal Plaza and set off a blaze. The fire appeared to have been ignited by fireworks.
As large plumes of smoke emanated from the entranceway, federal authorities rushed the man with their guns drawn and tackled him. They then quickly hustled him into the building while handcuffed.
Sources told amNewYork he is now in FBI custody for further questioning. Charges against him have yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, the FDNY rushed to the scene after an initial report of a manhole fire. When they responded, they doused the flames and found three people with burn injuries, two of whom refused medical treatment. One was rushed to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
Sources report that the suspected arsonist is a known anti-ICE activist. At the scene, authorities found a small cart that read “ICE off our streets” that contained fireworks.
Several apparent firearms were also discovered at the scene and are believed to be airsoft rifles However, it is not yet known if they are real.
“What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing. I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody. My team is in touch with the NYPD and we will support the federal investigation,” Mayor Zohran Mamdaini wrote on X. “Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city — and hold accountable any who threaten that.”
Meanwhile, a worker at a parking garage directly across the street told amNewYork that he saw the incident unfold.
“We are always on edge because there are always protests out here. I thought of 9/11 when I saw the fire,” the man said with the help of a translator. “The police came fast.”
A coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD and FBI, could be observed retrieving evidence throughout the day. Dressed in Tyvek suits, some were seen taking swabs while others packaged what appeared to be a large rifle. The NYPD Bomb Squad is among the units involved in the probe.
“I applaud local and federal law enforcement and the FDNY for their quick actions in response to the disturbing, violent attack at 26 Federal Plaza this morning. Their prompt actions kept people safe and helped apprehend the suspect,” U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer said upon hearing the news. “Let me be clear: violence like this is never acceptable. I am closely monitoring the situation, and I thank the NYPD, the FBI, FDNY, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their swift response.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing story; check with amNY.com later for further updates.
