An explosive device was set off outside, 26 Federal Plaza, a New York City building that houses multiple government offices, on Monday afternoon. A suspect has been taken into custody, FBI boss Kash Patel confirmed.A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer near barricades blocking a street following reports of falling debris at 235 East 42nd Street. (Representational) (Bloomberg)As videos of the fire and smoke from the explosion circulated, unverified information about the suspect in custody started circulating on social media. As of now, the police have not identified the suspect. Patel said that the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident as a possible terrorist attack."The individual is in custody and two minor injuries reported thus far," Patel said.Explosion Sparks Claims About SuspectThe arrest sparked reports that the suspect is allegedly an "anti-ICE activist." However, so far, no information has been released officially by the FBI or the on the suspect's motive. The claim seems to have originated from the fact that 26 Federal Plaza, along with a lot of other government offices, also houses an immigration court.Additionally, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle, provided more information on the suspect, claiming that he had an “ICE Off Our Streets” placard on his hands. The explosive devices in question were fireworks, Barnacle said.Here's a post by popular far-right content creator Eric Daugherty. "The suspect who set off an explosion and fire at the NYC federal building is reportedly an ANTI-ICE LEFTIST 'ACTIVIST,'" Daugherty wrote.Barnacle called the attack "an anti-government attack on a federal facility" while Mamdani called it "deeply disturbing." No further details about the incident were released.Videos Show Smoke, Fire Outside NYC BuildingAccording to ABC7 News, the fire was started by the suspect using fireworks and a liquid. According to FBI officials cited in the ABC report, the suspect first poured the liquid inside the building and then ignited it with fireworks, sparking a massive fire outside the building.Videos of the fire were recorded from nearby buildings and pedestrians on social media. Here are some of the videos.This story is being updated.
New York City explosion: Videos show smoke outside 26 Federal Plaza; what we know about suspect in FBI's custody
The explosion in NYC is under investigation as possible terrorism. A suspect is in custody and reports claims they were an anti-ICE activist.











