An individual detonated an incendiary device outside 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan on Sunday morning, injuring two people and triggering a large emergency response before authorities took the suspect into custody.
The explosion occurred outside the federal office complex, which houses several government agencies, including the FBI’s New York field office, federal immigration offices and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Authorities said the injuries were minor and no fatalities were reported.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the incident in a statement posted on X.
“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,” he wrote.
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The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), working alongside the New York Police Department and other federal agencies, is leading the investigation. Officials have not disclosed a possible motive or identified the suspect publicly.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said city officials were coordinating closely with federal investigators and emphasized that public safety remained the administration’s priority.
“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 every New Yorker is safe in their city and hold accountable any who threaten that.”
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Emergency responders quickly secured the area following the explosion, temporarily restricting access around the federal complex while bomb squad personnel and investigators searched for additional hazards. The scene was later declared safe, though portions of the area remained closed as evidence was collected.
Authorities have not indicated whether the device specifically targeted a federal agency or whether the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, examining forensic evidence recovered from the scene and interviewing witnesses.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns at federal facilities across the United States. Federal Plaza has long been one of New York City’s most heavily secured government complexes because of the concentration of federal law enforcement and immigration agencies operating there.
Officials urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues and said additional information would be released once the initial inquiry is complete.