Authorities said a man protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was taken into custody on Monday after he ignited fireworks and a fire on the steps of the building that houses the agency's office in lower Manhattan.
The Department of Homeland Security said on X/Twitter that the fireworks grazed a bystander, and the man "poured what is believed to be gasoline on the stairs of the entrance of the building and set it on fire."
It said a Federal Protective Service officer who detained the man, described by DHS as "an anti-ICE rioter," sustained minor injuries. The man was not identified.
The building at 26 Federal Plaza also houses FBI offices.
Local ABC7 television video showed a man in a helmet pouring liquid from a red bucket onto the steps and setting it on fire. As the flames rose, he attempted to flee but was intercepted by three uniformed men who led him away as smoke billowed.
DHS said officers recovered the man's bag, which contained two pellet guns and "a manifesto." A Reuters photographer saw a sign saying "ICE off our streets" in a cart brought by the suspect.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on X/Twitter that the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force was investigating the incident.
Mamdani says incident 'deeply disturbing,' will support federal investigation
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and stated that he was relieved that there were no serious injuries reported.
In a statement on X/Twitter, Mamdani said that his team is in touch with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and will support the FBI’s ongoing investigation.
“Our administration will continue to ensure that every New Yorker is safe in their city - and hold accountable any who threaten that,” he vowed.