An incendiary device exploded Monday morning outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in lower Manhattan, and a suspect was arrested, according to police sources.
The incident occurred outside 26 Federal Plaza, which houses dozens of federal government agencies including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Explosion at Federal Plaza in NYC–
– An explosion erupted outside 26 Federal Plaza in NYC around 8:30 am Immigration agents and FBI personnel rushed out with guns drawn as FPS officers apprehended the suspect. NYPD says the incident involved a shooting and an explosive device.… pic.twitter.com/SYtZcCWnS4— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) July 20, 2026
According to preliminary information, fireworks placed inside a trash can exploded, senior security officials told CBS News. Fire crews were called to the scene to control the blaze, and one man was arrested.
According to those same sources, an initial investigation found that no shots were fired during the incident.
🚨 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
Police said the public should expect traffic congestion, public transportation disruptions, and road closures in the area of Worth Street and Lafayette Street, and urged the public to avoid the area.