Suspect Arrested After Deploying Incendiary Device at FBI Headquarters in Manhattan; Investigation Underway

The FBI building at 26 Federal Plaza sits on Foley Square in Manhattan and is located just blocks from City Hall and several federal courthouses.
The FBI described the incident in a statement: 'This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident.'
Video footage captured responders on the scene, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, with visible smoke rising from the area.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, July 20, according to Reuters coverage.
A suspect is in custody after deploying an incendiary device outside the FBI's New York headquarters at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan on Monday morning, July 20, according to WSOC TV. No injuries were reported. The FBI confirmed the incident in a statement: "This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident."
A firearm was also found at the scene and linked to the event, according to WUTV29. The building sits on Foley Square, just blocks from City Hall and several federal courthouses. Early reports note the suspect has a history of anti-ICE activity, though authorities have not confirmed a motive.
26 Federal Plaza is one of the most prominent federal buildings in New York City. It houses the FBI's New York field office and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office. The building sits on Foley Square in lower Manhattan, near federal courthouses and City Hall. It is a high-security site that sees heavy law enforcement foot traffic daily.
Video footage from the scene showed visible smoke rising from outside the building, according to 700WLW iHeart. ICE personnel were among the responders seen on site. The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for people inside the building while authorities assessed the threat.
The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation. The NYPD and other federal agencies are also on the scene, according to WSET. The task force brings together local and federal agents to handle threats of this nature. It is one of the most active counterterrorism units in the country.
Investigators are looking into the suspect's background and motive. Reports indicate the suspect has a history of anti-ICE activity, which is notable given that ICE operates out of the same building, according to Turn to 10. Authorities have not yet released the suspect's name or formal charges.
Beyond the incendiary device, a firearm was recovered at the scene and linked to the incident, according to WUTV29. The presence of a weapon alongside the device suggests the suspect may have been prepared for a more serious confrontation. Investigators are working to determine if the gun was brought to the scene by the suspect.
No injuries were reported despite the explosion and the firearm on scene. The swift response by law enforcement likely helped contain the situation. Authorities have not said whether the device caused any structural damage to the building or surrounding area.
Workers inside 26 Federal Plaza were told to shelter in place while the scene was secured, according to 700WLW iHeart. A shelter-in-place order means people stay inside and away from windows until authorities say it is safe. The order was a precaution given the unknown nature of the device at the time.
Officials confirmed no one was hurt in the incident. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. The investigation is ongoing, and federal authorities are expected to release more details as the probe develops, according to WSOC TV.
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