A person was taken into custody after deploying an incendiary device outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan Monday morning, the FBI said.
The FDNY said it responded to a report of a rubbish fire outside the building, which houses the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, at 8:30 a.m.
Video from the scene showed smoke billowing from the sidewalk in front of the building. The footage also showed Department of Homeland Security officers detaining a person on the sidewalk in front of the building as ICE officers worked to clear onlookers from the scene.
In a statement, DHS said the person taken into custody launched fireworks outside of the building, “grazing a bystander and poured what is believed to be gasoline on the stairs of the entrance of the building and set it on fire.”
“Officers quickly recovered the individual’s bag, which contained what appeared to be two pellet guns and a manifesto,” DHS said, claiming that the person was an “anti-ICE rioter.” “EMS, FBI, and the NYPD are on the scene. This is a developing situation and we will [update] the public when more information is available.”
The FDNY said four civilians sustained minor non-life-threatening injuries, three of whom refused medical attention and one of whom was taken to a nearby hospital.
The NYPD said a firearm was found at the location. The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident, according to the FBI.
In a statement, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his administration “will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city — and hold accountable any who threaten that.”
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. My team is in touch with the NYPD and we will support the federal investigation.
Our administration will continue to ensure that…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 20, 2026
“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. My team is in touch with the NYPD and we will support the federal investigation,” he added.
The NYPD warned New Yorkers to expect traffic delays, mass transit disruptions, road closures and emergency personnel near Worth and Lafayette streets due to the ongoing investigation.
26 Federal Plaza has been the site of many immigration protests over the past year.
.@NYPDnews Police Activity: Expect traffic delays, mass transit disruptions, road closures & emergency personnel near Worth Street & Lafayette Street, Manhattan. Avoid the area.
— NYCEM – Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) July 20, 2026
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.