Charges Against U.S. Army Veteran for Arson

A U.S. Army veteran is facing arson charges after an incident that took place outside a federal building in New York City on Monday. Andrew Aravaca, 43, was present outside 26 Federal Plaza, which houses immigration court and various government agencies, when he allegedly started a fire and discharged a pellet gun.

He appeared in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday but did not enter a plea. According to James Barnacle, deputy director of the FBI’s New York field office, Aravaca, who previously worked as a mechanic for the Patriot missile system, held strong anti-ICE and anti-government beliefs.

Barnacle described him as “an anti-American, anti-government extremist.” Records indicate that Aravaca was registered as a Democrat and was involved with the left-leaning Working Families Party.

When authorities apprehended him, they found that he was “maliciously armed,” carrying a range of weapons including a pellet gun, knife, hammer, and machete. Reports suggest he arrived at the federal building around 8:30 a.m. and set off a large firework before pouring liquid on it to ignite a fire.

Images from the scene depicted significant smoke and bright flames near the building’s entrance, alongside police restraining Aravaca.

In addition to the fire, he fired several shots from an airsoft rifle into the building. He was arrested shortly afterward and has remained in custody since then.

During the incident, Aravaca reportedly made numerous anti-government comments, indicating a willingness to harm anyone nearby, including both federal employees and civilians. When arrested, authorities recovered two axes, a hammer, a machete, and three knives from his possession.

Prosecutors stated he had been preparing for the attack since January, purchasing supplies and scouting locations in New York. Meanwhile, defense lawyers argued that Aravaca suffers from mental health issues and requested the court admit him to a Department of Veterans Affairs mental health hospital for assessment and treatment.

Federal buildings in lower Manhattan have seen protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the previous administration’s heightened focus on illegal immigration.

According to the FBI, among those injured in the incident was an immigrant who had arrived at the building for a hearing.