Bomb Erupts Outside NYC Federal Building HQ

A chaotic scene erupted outside a major federal building in Lower Manhattan Monday morning after an armed suspect allegedly deployed an incendiary device near the entrance of 26 Federal Plaza, setting off a fast-moving law enforcement response and drawing the attention of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The incident unfolded around 8:30 a.m. outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building, a high-profile federal hub that houses New York’s ICE field office, the Department of Homeland Security, immigration court, and other government agencies.

According to police sources and officials, the unidentified suspect allegedly started a fire outside the building, ignited fireworks, and threatened people nearby with what authorities described as airsoft rifles. Federal officers quickly moved in and took the suspect into custody at the scene.

The FBI confirmed that the episode is now being investigated by its New York Joint Terrorism Task Force.

“This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza,” the FBI said in a statement. “The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident.”

Investigators also found a cart connected to the suspect that reportedly carried an anti-ICE message, sources said. The cart allegedly contained two long firearms, additional fireworks, and other items, according to reports.

The scare left three people with minor injuries, including two firefighters, sources said. All three were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Photos from the scene showed smoke billowing near the federal building as officers swarmed the area and investigators combed through the scene. A wagon marked with anti-ICE messaging could also be seen behind crime scene tape as authorities worked to determine exactly what happened and whether the suspect acted alone.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in New York City. The building at 26 Federal Plaza has become a flashpoint in recent years as immigration arrests and detention activity increased there during President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on illegal immigration.

By Monday morning, the area was locked down as federal agents, NYPD officers, firefighters, and investigators responded to the alarming scene in one of the busiest parts of Manhattan.

Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or announced formal charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.