An explosive device detonated outside a federal building in Lower Manhattan on Monday morning. A suspect is now in custody, according to police sources.
The incident occurred in front of 26 Federal Plaza. The building hosts several federal agencies, including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Authorities responded promptly after hearing an explosion. On arrival, they discovered a man equipped with an airsoft rifle, carbon dioxide cartridges, halogen lighting, and a helmet, as reported by several law enforcement sources.
Initial information suggests that fireworks in a trash can caused the blast, senior security sources informed CBS News. The fire department arrived to extinguish the flames, and authorities detained a suspect at the scene.
The motive behind the attack appears to be a protest against ICE. Witnesses reported seeing significant smoke outside 26 Federal Plaza due to the fireworks explosion.
According to preliminary details, the suspect possessed two types of guns that resembled real firearms, likely BB guns or airsoft guns. One of these was a long gun placed in a grocery cart, as detailed by law enforcement sources. No gunshots were reported following an initial investigation.
Video footage from the scene displayed dense smoke and law enforcement officers arresting the suspect. Police have warned of traffic disruptions, mass transit delays, and road closures near Worth Street and Lafayette Street. They advise the public to avoid the area until further notice.
This is an ongoing situation. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.