NEW YORK—A former U.S. Army soldier was charged with arson in connection with a fiery attack on a Manhattan federal office building that houses immigration court proceedings, after prosecutors alleged he deliberately set a fire outside the entrance, ignited fireworks and fired a pellet gun, injuring three people.
Andrew Arrabaca, 43, appeared in federal court on Tuesday, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky ordered him held without bail pending further proceedings, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and court proceedings. Federal prosecutors said Arrabaca confessed to planning the attack for months and described him as a danger to the public. His defense attorney cited a history of mental health issues and argued he had no prior criminal record.
The charges stem from Monday's incident outside 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan, a building that houses offices of the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies. Authorities said Arrabaca allegedly poured gasoline near an employee entrance, ignited it with a lighter and fireworks, and fired an airsoft-style pellet gun before being subdued by Federal Protective Service officers and a security contractor.
According to federal authorities, two government employees and one civilian sustained minor injuries. Officials said one person was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Investigators also recovered multiple weapons, including axes, knives, a machete and a hammer, in addition to the pellet gun and fireworks, authorities said.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a Justice Department statement that the defendant allegedly "caused a scene of destruction and mayhem" at a federal building used daily by thousands of employees and visitors. FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said authorities are continuing to investigate the incident through the Joint Terrorism Task Force, although officials have not publicly characterized the case as terrorism.
Court filings cited by prosecutors allege Arrabaca made anti-government statements and told investigators he intended to harm people regardless of whether they were federal employees or civilians. Defense counsel urged the court to consider his mental health history and requested treatment while the case proceeds.
If convicted of the federal arson charge, Arrabaca faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years. The criminal case remains pending, and prosecutors said the investigation is ongoing.
