Topline

An “incendiary device” went off outside a building in New York City that houses U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement and other federal agencies, the FBI confirmed Monday, saying a suspect was in custody as early reports suggest the incident resulted in multiple injuries.

The Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza is seen on August 15, 2025 in New York City.

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Key Facts

The FBI said an individual had deployed an “incendiary device” outside a federal building at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, which houses ICE, immigration courts, the FBI’s New York field office and other federal agencies.

The suspect was taken into custody and the FBI said its FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force was investigating the incident.

Authorities cited by ABC7 report the device consisted of fireworks and a “flammable liquid,” and PIX 11 and CBS News report fireworks in a garbage can were set off and sparked a fire, while NBC New York reports the suspect “wheeled a cart” and “ignited a fire.”

Injuries resulting from the incident, which took place around 8:30 a.m. EDT, are still unclear: PIX 11 reports three people were injured in the explosion, citing unnamed officials, while NBC New York and the New York Times report one person was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

NBC New York and ABC 7 describe the suspect as a potential anti-ICE protester and Bloomberg reports they “menaced” pedestrians with a firearm prior to the explosion, though NBC suggests the firearms they possessed were “airsoft” rifles that only fire pellets.

ICE and the New York City Fire Department have not yet responded to requests for comment, and the New York Police Department referred Forbes to the FBI for comment on the incident.

What Does Video Of The Incident Show?

A video published online and shared by news outlets Monday shows a large billow of smoke coming up directly next to 26 Federal Plaza. A team of officers quickly rushed out of the building and appeared to immediately apprehend the subject, whom the video shows being ushered back into the building wearing handcuffs.

What to Watch for

The FBI’s investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with multiple outlets reporting the city’s bomb squad is also involved in the investigation and is inspecting the suspect’s cart. No charges against the suspect have yet been announced.

What We Don’t Know

Who the suspect is and any potential motive they may have had for the explosion.

What Should People In New York City Know?

There’s no ongoing threat since the suspect is in custody, but the city government has warned locals to expect road closures and mass disruptions in the area where the explosion took place, around Worth Street and Lafayette Street in Manhattan’s Financial District.