FBI, ICE, FDNY respond to explosion and fire at federal building in NYC, suspect in custody – One America News Network

July 20, 2026 Katherine Mosack US 0

The Jacob K. Javits Federal Building is seen on August 15, 2025 in New York City. 26 Federal Plaza was evacuated on Thursday afternoon after envelopes containing white powder were opened inside the federal building. Five envelopes were found in the mailroom for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) containing the substance and two people were directly exposed to the mystery substance after they were opened. The letters came amid ICE agents tactics of detaining immigrants after they leave their immigration court hearings. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) — The Jacob K. Javits Federal Building is seen on August 15, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
8:44 AM – Monday, July 20, 2026

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel announced that a suspect has been taken into custody after detonating an “incendiary device” that caused a fire outside of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan, New York.

“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 (Joint Terrorism Task Force) is investigating the incident,” Patel said on Monday.

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

The explosion was heard between Worth Street and Lafayette Street around 8:30 a.m. on Monday, prompting a response from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI. Smoke and a small fire were seen in front of the building and captured in video footage posted to social media.

The alleged perpetrator reportedly wheeled a cart full of fireworks and airsoft rifles near the building.

The Federal Plaza houses a federal immigration court and an ICE field office.

The building issued a shelter-in-place order after the incident.

In a social media post on Monday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised to ensure that New Yorkers are safe and “hold accountable any who threaten that.”

“What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing. I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody. My team is in touch with the NYPD and we will support the federal investigation,” stated Mamdani.

What occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza this morning was deeply disturbing. I’m relieved no one was seriously injured and that a suspect is in custody. My team is in touch with the NYPD and we will support the federal investigation.

Our administration will continue to ensure that…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) July 20, 2026

Authorities have not revealed the identity of the suspect in custody, nor any possible motives, though it is reportedly an individual with a history of involvement in anti-ICE protests, according to Eyewitness News ABC 7, citing the police.

The New York Fire Department (FDNY) said three civilians suffered minor injuries. One accepted medical attention and was transported to a nearby hospital, according to the Washington Examiner.

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