Man of Filipino Descent Charged in Attack on NYC Federal Building

NEW YORK - Andrew Arrabaca, 43, of Poughkeepsie, New York, who is of Filipino descent, has been charged after allegedly setting a fire outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan in what federal authorities say was an attack motivated by anti-government and anti-ICE beliefs.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, Arrabaca allegedly ignited a flammable liquid outside the federal building on the morning of July 20, creating a fireball that sent flames and smoke up the side of the building. The building houses thousands of federal employees and receives hundreds of visitors each day.

Prosecutors allege Arrabaca first set off several fireworks and fired a BB rifle toward the building before pouring a bucket of flammable liquid near one of the entrances and setting it ablaze. He then allegedly threw a box of fireworks into the fire, triggering an explosion moments before law enforcement officers arrested him.

Authorities said surveillance video captured the incident.

Investigators recovered a utility wagon containing a BB rifle, pellet rifle, machete, two hatchets, a hammer, a mallet, and multiple fireworks, including one labeled "Nuclear Warhead." A sign attached to the wagon read, "ICE Off Our Streets."

According to prosecutors, Arrabaca was wearing military-style camouflage pants, tactical gear, and a helmet bearing several phrases, including "Kill yourself." Officers also recovered a knife and matches concealed under his clothing.

During a post-arrest interview, prosecutors said Arrabaca stated that he was motivated by anti-government beliefs and deliberately targeted a busy entrance because he knew many people used it.

Officials said numerous people were near the entrance when the fire erupted. Several individuals were evaluated for injuries, including one person who suffered a head laceration after being struck by debris from the fire or explosion.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the defendant allegedly created "a scene of destruction and mayhem" outside one of New York City's busiest federal buildings. FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said the alleged attack appeared to be motivated by anti-government and anti-ICE ideology, while NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Arrabaca allegedly arrived armed with weapons and explosive devices.

Arrabaca is charged with destruction of property owned or leased by the United States by means of fire or explosives causing personal injury or creating a substantial risk of injury. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years.

The charges are allegations only. Arrabaca is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.