Law and crime news

July 21, 2026, 3:01 pm

A former US soldier was arrested in Manhattan after a fire broke out in front of a federal office building.

The soldier, who was protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement, set off fireworks, lit a fire, and shot a pellet gun outside the building.

Three people were hurt before the suspect was stopped.

Here's what we know about the attack.

What happened?

The suspect arrived at the building with bad intentions, wearing a military helmet and carrying a sign that said 'ICE Off Our Streets'.

He was trying to hurt people.

The suspect lit a fire and fired an airsoft rifle.

He poured petrol on the ground and set it on fire, and also ignited fireworks.

He had two axes, three knives, a hammer, and a machete.

The suspect made anti-government statements and said he didn't care if he killed people.

He spent the night on the street before the attack.

The suspect brought several weapons to the building in a wagon.

Who was hurt?

Two government employees and a person with an immigration court hearing were hurt.

One person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A security officer who stopped the suspect was also hurt.

Have there been any charges?

Not yet.

The FBI is investigating, but it's not clear if it's a terrorist attack.

It's not clear if the suspect has a lawyer.

What do we know about the suspect?

The suspect is a former US Army soldier who served from 2001 to 2005.

He lived in Harlem and Poughkeepsie.

He is an anti-government extremist.

The suspect's actions and words show he is against the government.

What is 26 Federal Plaza?

The building has offices for federal agencies, including ICE and the FBI.

It's near City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The building has been a site of protests against President Trump's immigration policies.

ICE agents have made arrests in the hallways.

Security was increased in the 1990s after a threat.

A bulletproof booth was installed, and a street was closed to traffic.

What is ICE?

ICE is a law enforcement agency that enforces immigration laws.

Why are people protesting ICE?

People are protesting ICE because of its immigration enforcement activities.

The suspect was against ICE, but we don't know why.

President Trump promised to increase deportations during his campaign.

ICE agents have been patrolling streets and making arrests.

Some agents have wrongly detained or deported people with legal rights.

People are angry about the fatal shooting of protesters by federal agents.

ABC/AP

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