A man is in custody after setting off fireworks in a trash can outside a federal building in Lower Manhattan on Monday morning, authorities said. The explosion occurred near 26 Federal Plaza, which houses multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The FBI's New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident, which caused heavy smoke and flames outside the building. The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that fireworks were involved, and no shots were fired. The fire department responded to extinguish the flames, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Deeper Dive & Context
The incident disrupted traffic and mass transit in the area, with police urging people to avoid the vicinity of Worth Street and Lafayette Street. Video footage from the scene showed law enforcement arresting the suspect and heavy smoke near the building.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect's identity or motive. The FBI and NYPD are continuing their investigation to determine whether the incident was intentional or accidental. No injuries have been reported.
The building houses several federal agencies, including immigration-related offices, which may have contributed to heightened security concerns. However, officials have not confirmed any direct threat to the agencies or personnel inside the building.