Federal authorities arrested a former U.S. Army soldier on Thursday and charged him with attempting to use an incendiary device to damage a New York City building housing an immigration court. According to the FBI and federal prosecutors, 27-year-old John Doe (name used as placeholder, though AP identifies the man as former soldier from specific background) allegedly set a fire outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Lower Manhattan.
In addition to the fire, investigators stated that the suspect discharged a pellet gun toward the building's windows. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished by a security guard on the scene. Authorities reported that the suspect left a note at the location expressing grievances related to immigration policy and the federal government.
The suspect faces charges of attempted arson and possession of an incendiary device. He served in the U.S. Army from 2018 until his honorable discharge in 2022. He is expected to make an initial appearance in federal court in Manhattan to address the charges.