According to the Associated Press, officials in New York state reported that on July 20 local time, Arapassa, a former U.S. Army soldier carrying signs opposing immigration and customs enforcement agencies (ICE), set off fireworks, set fire to an office building of the federal government in Manhattan, and used a gas gun for shooting. Security personnel subdued him.
It is reported that the incident resulted in injuries to two government employees and a civilian. The civilian was en route to the building to attend a immigration court hearing.
Associated Press
According to reports, James Barnak, assistant director of the FBI’s New York division, stated that 43-year-old Alabasa came to this building known as “Federal Plaza 26” with ‘malicious intent’. When arrested, he made ‘anti-government and anti-American statements’ and told investigators that he didn’t care if it resulted in death.
Barnak said that Alabasa served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005, responsible for maintaining the ‘Patriot’ missile system. During his arrest, he shouted insults at ICE. ‘He is an anti-American, anti-government extremist. We know this from what he said, from his statements after his arrest, and also from the actions he attempted to carry out today.’
The suspect was subdued. Associated Press
As of the evening of the 20th, no charges have been announced against Alabasa. The Joint Counterterrorism Task Force has fully engaged in the investigation of the case. However, Barnak has refused to classify this attack as a terrorist act.
New York Police Department Chief Tish said that at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time on July 20, Alabasa wore a military helmet and carried a handcart with the slogan "ICE, get out of our streets" as he arrived at Building 26 in Federal Plaza. Alabasa’s recent address was in the Hudson County area of New York, and he has also lived in Boquipixi, New York State.
According to security surveillance footage, Tish said that Alabasa first ignited a bundle of fireworks. When the fireworks began to smoke, he took a gas gun from his coat and shot at the building. Then, he grabbed an orange bucket from a trolley, poured flammable liquid around the bushes near the building, and set it on fire.
According to reports, video and photographs at the scene show that a fire broke out on the sidewalk outside the building, with thick smoke rising. Law enforcement officers subdued a suspect and took him away from the scene.
Tish said that initially, the police call mentioned a gunman. Later, there were more calls reporting an explosion and people setting off fireworks. Barnak added that in addition to the gas gun, Alabasa also carried two axes, three straight knives, a hammer, and a machete.
New York Mayor Bloomberg posted on social media that the incident is "deeply disturbing." "I am relieved that no one was seriously injured, and the suspect has been detained."
According to reports, Building 26 at Federal Plaza houses both the ICE, the FBI, and other federal agencies. It is also one of the main locations where protests related to immigration issues are held.
