A man with documented anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement views ignited an incendiary device outside a Manhattan federal courthouse Monday, injuring two people in what the FBI is calling an anti-government attack on federal property.

Attack on Federal Immigration Court

The suspect poured flammable liquid and set it ablaze outside 26 Federal Plaza, which houses an immigration court, according to FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle. Surveillance footage captured the moment flames erupted, creating what witnesses described as a massive fire. The attacker used fireworks to ignite the blaze and carried a pellet gun along with a sign reading “ICE Off Our Streets,” officials stated.

Two individuals sustained minor injuries during the incident. A federal employee and a civilian received treatment at the scene and were subsequently released. Authorities apprehended the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed pending formal charges. The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force has assumed control of the investigation into what officials characterized as a targeted assault on federal facilities.

Mayor Condemns Attack on Federal Property

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident through social media, calling it “deeply disturbing.” He expressed relief that injuries were not severe and praised the quick apprehension of the suspect. “Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city and hold accountable any who threaten that,” Mamdani wrote. The mayor’s statement emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting both residents and federal installations within its jurisdiction.

Pattern of Anti-Government Activity

Federal authorities revealed the suspect has a documented history of anti-ICE activism, though they did not provide specific details about previous incidents or encounters with law enforcement. The deliberate targeting of a building housing immigration courts suggests the attack was ideologically motivated rather than random. The FBI’s terrorism task force involvement indicates authorities are treating this as a serious threat to federal operations and potentially part of broader domestic extremism concerns.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in major American cities. Federal facilities have become focal points for protests and demonstrations, though violent attacks remain rare. The use of incendiary devices against government buildings represents a significant escalation that threatens public safety and the rule of law. Authorities continue investigating whether the suspect acted alone or had connections to organized groups opposing federal immigration policies.