A Smoke Bomb Outside a New York Government Building: What Happened?

What Is This About?

Imagine a big government building in New York City where many important offices are located. Outside that building, someone set off a device that made smoke and caused a small fire. This article explains what happened, who was involved, and what we know so far — all in simple terms.

The Main Event

According to the head of the FBI (the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a U.S. police-like agency for big crimes) and other law enforcement (police and similar workers), a person who might be against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency that handles immigration laws) used an "incendiary device" — that’s just a fancy way of saying something that catches fire or makes flames — outside 26 Federal Plaza on Foley Square.

• Two people got hurt a little (minor injuries).
• Smoke went up into the air.
• The person who did it was caught by the police.

What the FBI and Mayor Said

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X (a social media site) that:

• The suspect (the person thought to be responsible) was taken into custody (arrested).
• Two minor injuries were reported at first.
• The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (a team that looks into attacks or threats) is investigating (trying to find out exactly what happened).

Important Point: The FDNY (Fire Department of New York) says the number of minor injuries is actually double what the FBI first said — so four people total were hurt a little.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also posted on X:

• He called the situation "deeply disturbing" (very upsetting).
• He was relieved (happy) that no one was seriously hurt.
• His team is helping the federal investigation.

What We Know About the Suspect and the Device

Much is still being investigated, but here is what law enforcement sources (people who know about the police work) shared:

• A early look suggests the man rolled a cart with fireworks and flammable liquid (something that burns easily) to the spot and lit it.
• He also had a few airsoft rifles — these are toy-like guns that shoot small plastic pellets or BBs, not real bullets.
• Four sources say the suspect is 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca.
• They say he may have emotional issues (mental health struggles).
• It wasn’t clear where he was from, but a U.S. official told NBC News he used to be in the Army and National Guard (military groups).
• The NYPD Bomb Squad (police who handle explosives) checked his cart just to be safe.

Where Did This Happen?

26 Federal Plaza is on Foley Square in New York City. It is the main federal office building in the city — like a giant office tower for the national government.

• It is 41 stories tall (very tall!).
• It houses ICE offices, the FBI, and other government agencies.

Video from the scene shows:

1. Smoke coming from the ground outside the building near Worth and Lafayette streets.
2. Many officers arriving to look at the situation.
3. Later, a person on the ground (likely the suspect being arrested).

What Happened to the Injured People?

• The NYPD said two people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries just to be careful.
• Remember, the fire department counted four minor injuries total.

Summary

A man named Andrew Arrabaca, possibly upset with ICE, set off a fire-making device outside 26 Federal Plaza in NYC. He was arrested. A few people had minor injuries. The FBI and local police are still investigating, and leaders like the Mayor and FBI Director have spoken out.

FAQ

Q1: What is an incendiary device?
A: It is something that is made to start a fire or produce flames, like a small bomb that burns instead of exploding with big force.

Q2: Were the airsoft rifles real guns?
A: No. Airsoft rifles are toy-like guns that shoot tiny plastic pellets or BBs, not real bullets, so they are much less dangerous than real guns.

Q3: Is this being treated as terrorism?
A: The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating, but we don’t yet know if it is officially called terrorism. They are just looking into it carefully.

Q4: Why is 26 Federal Plaza important?
A: It is the main federal government office building in New York City and holds groups like ICE and the FBI.