A suspect was apprehended early Monday in connection with an attack on a New York City building that holds multiple law enforcement agency offices, including the FBI, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S. Customs and Enforcement.
At around 8:20 a.m. EDT, an explosive sound was heard by those inside 26 Federal Plaza. Authorities found an individual with an airsoft rifle, carbon dioxide cartridges, halogen lighting and a helmet, per CBS News. The man had lit fireworks, poured gasoline right outside the building, and set it on fire.
“This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident,” the FBI said in a statement to Fox News. A firearm was also discovered in relation to the event, but the FBI did not confirm whether or not it belonged to the suspect.
The Department of Homeland Security said on X that the attack was done by an “anti-ICE rioter,” who had a bag that apparently contained two pellet guns and a manifesto.
The investigation is ongoing.
Border czar: Anti-ICE rhetoric is the problem
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted on social media that he found the attack “deeply disturbing.”
“What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing,” he said. “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. Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city — and hold accountable any who threaten that.”
Though his comments received backlash as some people blamed his past rhetoric against federal law enforcement, in particular ICE, as fueling the animosity toward agents.
“I appreciate the comments from Mamdani and Jeffries, but too little too late,” White House border czar Tom Homan said on Fox News. “They spent a year attacking ICE — ‘Let’s abolish ICE. They’re fascists; ICE are Nazis, ICE are racists.’ ... I’m sure if you asked that person why he did it, he would repeat the talking points I just said.”
Homan appeared to get emotional on Monday as he told members of the press the dangers law enforcement agents encounter for doing their job.
“I said this a year ago; if the hateful rhetoric doesn’t stop, there will be bloodshed. Unfortunately, I was right. It’s not over yet. ... I’m afraid that we’re going to bury an ICE agent,” he said.
“Guys — ICE agents are moms and dads too,” Homan continued. “It’s not just an attack on the ICE agents, it’s an attack on their spouses and children. No one knows that better than me. ... I can’t even get a quart of milk at a grocery store without a security detail. Why? Because I’m enforcing laws. It’s pathetic and it’s disgusting.”
Recent fatal ICE incidents involving a Mexican national and a Colombian national have put the Trump administration on the defensive.
“It comes down to one simple fact,” Homan said, “these people failed to comply with law enforcement ... all they had to do is comply. If they did, they’d be alive today.”