Judge Orders 43-Year-Old Andrew Arrabaca Detained in 26 Federal Plaza Arson Case
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 22
Judge Orders 43-Year-Old Andrew Arrabaca Detained in 26 Federal Plaza Arson Case
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 22
Summary
A federal judge ordered Andrew Arrabaca held and evaluated at the Metropolitan Detention Center within 48 hours after his first court appearance on an arson complaint.
Prosecutors said the 43-year-old Army veteran planned the attack since January, bought supplies in upstate New York and Pennsylvania, and arrived Monday with gasoline, fireworks, an airsoft rifle, a machete and a hammer.
They alleged he ignited gasoline near the employee entrance of 26 Federal Plaza, set off fireworks and fired pellets, sending people diving into bushes after considering other New York City targets.
Defense lawyers cited underlying mental health issues, no criminal history and said his intent was property damage, not harming people, urging treatment at a Veterans Affairs facility instead of detention.
The judge sided with prosecutors, saying it was unclear Arrabaca would comply with treatment and noting he had not used available VA services; his next court date is Aug. 4.