Intense Surveillance Video Shows Anti-ICE Arson Attack at Federal Plaza

Prosecutors have shared new surveillance footage related to an alleged arson incident at a government building in New York City, which houses offices for entities like the FBI and ICE. The video allegedly captures Andrew Aravaca, a 43-year-old from Poughkeepsie, in camouflage pants and a helmet, preparing for the attack using fireworks, gasoline, and BB guns outside 26 Federal Plaza.

Authorities claim Aravaca began by igniting fireworks in Manhattan, then proceeded to pour gasoline on the stairs and set it ablaze. The video also shows him wheeling a cart bearing an anti-ICE banner.

The footage depicts the suspect placing fireworks on the ground, firing them at bystanders, and then returning with a BB gun to shoot at pedestrians. He subsequently dumps gasoline on the steps and ignites it. Near the conclusion of the video, he throws a box into the flames, reportedly containing more fireworks.

Federal agents apprehended Aravaca at the scene, where injuries were reported: at least one person suffered a cut to the back of the head from exploding debris, while two others sustained minor injuries. Prosecutors later clarified that Aravaca was thought to have had a significant stockpile of weapons and incendiary devices; he had originally been accused of using an airsoft rifle, but it was later determined to be a BB gun or pellet gun, with images showing at least two of the firearms near him post-arrest.

Federal officials described Aravaca as an “anti-American, anti-government extremist,” stating that he approached the situation with harmful intent, based on his own statements. He expressed that his actions were motivated by a belief that government officials were unlawfully harming people, and he intentionally targeted busy stairways leading to the main entrance of the building.

Aravaca had served as a U.S. Army missile system mechanic from 2001 to 2005 and is registered as a Democrat, notably affiliated with the left-leaning Working Families Party. Three injuries were attributed to the attack; one individual was specifically mentioned as being harmed by the explosion.

In addition to the injuries, investigators found multiple weapons on Aravaca, including axes, a hammer, a machete, and several knives. He was also found to have a variety of fireworks and “other items of destruction,” alongside anti-ICE materials in his possession. Police confiscated his vehicle and are in the process of securing a search warrant for it.

Interestingly, Aravaca had no prior criminal history before this incident. Officials noted that the federal building has long been a target for extremist actions, even though it is generally regarded as one of the safest locations in Manhattan, surrounded by barriers and road closures.