Man Arrested After Incendiary Device Set Off at NYC Immigration Court

A man was arrested on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, after detonating an incendiary device outside the immigration court building in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The incident occurred around 9:00 AM EST, leading to the evacuation of the building and surrounding areas. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responded to the scene. Authorities confirmed that the device was not a bomb but an incendiary device that caused a small fire. No injuries were reported among civilians or law enforcement personnel. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was taken into custody without incident. The motivation behind the act remains under investigation. The area around the court, located at 201 Varick Street, was cordoned off for several hours as bomb squads and other specialized units conducted a thorough sweep and investigation. The incident disrupted court proceedings for the day, with many scheduled hearings postponed. Federal authorities are leading the investigation, with assistance from the NYPD's Joint Terrorism Task Force. The FBI stated that they are treating the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism, though no specific group has claimed responsibility. The suspect is expected to face federal charges related to the use of an incendiary device and potentially other charges as the investigation progresses. This event highlights ongoing security concerns at federal buildings, particularly those related to immigration services.