Federal authorities are investigating an incident involving an incendiary device that was deployed outside a major federal office building in lower Manhattan early Monday, prompting a large law enforcement response and the evacuation of the facility.
The incident occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza, a government building that houses multiple federal agencies, including offices of the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities quickly secured the area after reports of an explosion, while officers moved to evacuate portions of the building as a precaution.
🚨 NOW: Horrifying footage shows an incendiary device EXPLODING in front of the federal building in NYC as law enforcement apprehend the suspect, Joint Terrorism Task Force now investigating
A FIRE erupted in front of the federal plaza, then a small explosion
This POS felt…
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 20, 2026
Videos shared on social media appeared to show smoke rising near the entrance of the building shortly after the incident. New York-based journalist Oliya Scootercaster posted footage on X, writing that an explosion occurred around 8:30 a.m. and that federal agents, including FBI personnel and immigration officers, responded with weapons drawn as law enforcement detained a suspect. She also reported that the sidewalk surrounding the building was closed while authorities assessed the scene.
The FBI later confirmed that the building had been intentionally targeted.
In a statement provided to Fox News, the agency said, “This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident.”
🚨 BREAKING: FBI confirms EXPLOSIVE DEVICE at the federal plaza in NYC where immigration proceedings are held, Joint Terrorism Task Force launch an investigation
Welcome to Mamdani’s NYC, where psychopaths feel emboldened to ATTACK federal property.
“The FBI, revealing moments… pic.twitter.com/sOcZeeVYX7
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 20, 2026
The FBI has not released the identity of the suspect or provided information regarding a possible motive. Officials have also not indicated whether anyone was injured during the incident.
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that the New York Police Department confirmed a firearm had been recovered in connection with the investigation. However, police said they could not confirm whether the weapon was found on the suspect or elsewhere at the scene.
FBI statement to @FoxNews:
“This morning an individual deployed an incendiary device outside of 26 Federal Plaza. The individual has been taken into custody and the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the incident.”
NYPD tells FOX there was a “found… https://t.co/bUdDbryRxC
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 20, 2026
Investigators are continuing to determine exactly what device was used. According to CBS News, one early line of investigation is whether fireworks were detonated inside a garbage can outside the building. Authorities have not confirmed that information, and the precise nature of the explosion remains under investigation.
The area around Federal Plaza remained restricted for several hours as bomb technicians and investigators processed the scene. The building was evacuated while officials worked to ensure there were no additional hazards.
