A suspect is in custody after allegedly deploying an incendiary device outside a federal building in New York City on Monday morning, prompting a swift response from federal and local law enforcement authorities.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest in a post on X, confirming that the incident unfolded outside 26 Federal Plaza, a major federal office building in Lower Manhattan. According to Patel, authorities quickly took the individual into custody after the device was deployed.
“This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York. The individual is in custody and two minor injuries reported thus far. FBI JTTF is investigating the incident,” Patel wrote.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During a press briefing, FBI New York Field Office Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle Jr. provided additional details about what investigators believe occurred.
Barnacle said the suspect appeared to use a liquid in the attack, explaining that the individual “put the liquid down, set some fireworks on top of it,” resulting in what he described as “a little fire.”
Authorities also said the suspect was armed with a pellet gun at the time of the incident.
Two people suffered injuries during the episode, according to Barnacle. Those injured included one federal employee and one civilian. He characterized both injuries as minor, noting that each individual was treated and later released.
The New York Police Department also confirmed there was a “found firearm” connected to the investigation, though officials did not immediately provide additional details regarding that discovery.
Video captured from the scene showed a significant law enforcement presence outside the federal complex following the incident. Federal agents, including personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, could be seen responding as authorities secured the area and continued their investigation.
The incident also prompted statements from several political leaders.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was relieved that no one suffered serious injuries and emphasized that the city would assist federal investigators.
“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,” Mamdani said in a post on X. “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.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., also praised the rapid response by law enforcement officers, saying their actions helped protect the public.
“I am grateful to law enforcement for their swift actions to stop an attack at 26 Federal Plaza this morning, for successfully apprehending the suspect and for keeping the people of New York City safe,” Jeffries said in a statement.
Jeffries added that “acts of terror and violence have no place in our City and will never be tolerated,” and said the individual responsible “must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continues to investigate the incident as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
