NEW YORK (VINnews) — A man was taken into custody Monday after authorities said he ignited an incendiary device outside a federal government building in lower Manhattan, prompting an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. outside 26 Federal Plaza, where officials said the suspect started a fire, ignited fireworks and allegedly threatened people nearby with airsoft rifles.
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The FBI confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the scene.

NOW: Moment of EXPLOSION that went off outside of the 26 Federal Plaza in NYC around 8:30am this morning, with Immigration agents and FBI Rushing out guns drawn and FPS apprehending the suspect. Sidewalk has been shut down and building evacuated.

NYPD on scene confirmed it was… pic.twitter.com/HcGg0Unj2a

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) July 20, 2026

“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.”

This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza in New York. The individual is in custody and two minor injuries reported thus far. FBI JTTF is investigating the incident. @NewYorkFBI

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) July 20, 2026

According to law enforcement sources, the suspect was pulling a cart containing two long gun-style airsoft rifles, additional fireworks and other items.

One person suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, authorities said.

Investigators have not released the suspect’s identity or announced any charges. Authorities have not said whether the incident was motivated by terrorism, but the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.