James Barnicle, the assistant director in charge of the FBI New York Field Office, said 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca, a former United States Army soldier who served from 2001 to 2005, was responsible for the fiery attack on July 20 and had deadly intentions.
“He did say he was targeting the building, and he was okay if he hurt or killed people going in and out of the building, whether they were federal employees or civilians,” Barnicle told reporters during a press conference Monday afternoon.
Local and federal law enforcement report that Arrabaca drove in from Poughkeepsie and parked in Harlem on Sunday before sleeping on the street near the Holland Tunnel. He then arrived at immigration court around 5 a.m. Monday morning.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., law enforcement sources said, Arrabaca allegedly unleashed his attack by pouring gasoline over the street and igniting it using a firework. Once the inferno was lit, he brandished what is being described as an airsoft rifle and fired between five and seven shots.
Federal officers and a security guard for the building quickly tackled the gunman, placed him in handcuffs, and rushed him inside the building.
In addition to several fireworks, he also had two axes, a hammer, a machete, and three knives in his possession.
“On his cart … he had anti-ICE literature. When he was being arrested, he yelled derogatory terms to ICE, used bad words. Obviously, he is an anti-American, anti-government extremist. We know that from what he said. We know that from what he has said post-arrest, and we know that from the actions that he tried to take today,” Barnicle added.
amNewYork inquired if the FBI had knowledge of Arrabaca and if he had been spotted at any anti-ICE demonstrations. However, he said that federal authorities do not track protesters.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that her department is supporting federal authorities in its investigation, and that charges have not yet been filed.
Still, law enforcement sources charged that the suspect’s intentions were clear — to destroy the building.
A small cart belonging to Arrabaca could be seen following his arrest, with the words “ICE off our streets” written on it. During the onslaught, three people were injured and one was hospitalized.
“There was a naturalization ceremony scheduled for today that was canceled, and the one civilian victim was an immigrant who had a hearing today for their immigration status. So that’s quite unfortunate, quite ironic at the same time,” Barnicle said.
For over a year, 26 Federal Plaza has become a symbol of ICE activity in the Big Apple after masked agents took people into custody, including mothers and fathers, following their legally mandated court hearings despite often not having any criminal records. As public outrage grew, the facility became a hub for protest activity.
“We are always on edge because there are always protests out here. I thought of 9/11 when I saw the fire,” a local parking lot attendant told amNewYork. “The police came fast.”
FBI agents could be seen gathering evidence throughout the day, including the alleged airsoft rifle he used during the attack.
