Man in custody after setting off ‘incendiary device’ outside federal building in Manhattan

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(NEW YORK) — A man with a history of anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity set off an “incendiary device” outside a Manhattan federal building that houses an immigration court, authorities said.

Video captured the moment the suspect poured a liquid and then ignited it outside 26 Federal Plaza, sparking a massive fire. FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said the suspect used fireworks to set the blaze.

Two people — a federal employee and a civilian — suffered minor injuries and were treated and released, officials said.

Barnacle called it an “anti-government attack on a federal facility.” He said the suspect had an incendiary device, a pellet gun and a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets.”

The suspect was taken into custody, the FBI said, and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the incident “deeply disturbing.”

“I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody,” he wrote on social media. “… Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city — and hold accountable any who threaten that.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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