Federal authorities say a man armed with multiple weapons attempted to attack a federal immigration facility in New York City this week, reigniting criticism from conservatives over what they describe as media efforts to minimize violence directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The incident quickly became a flashpoint on social media, not only because of the alleged attack itself, but because of how several major television networks characterized the events in their initial reporting. Conservative commentators argued that the coverage failed to reflect the seriousness of what investigators say unfolded outside a federal building in lower Manhattan.
According to federal officials, Andrew Arrabaca arrived outside 26 Federal Plaza shortly before 8:30 a.m. Monday pushing a cart loaded with an alarming collection of weapons. Investigators say the cart contained two axes, three knives, a hammer, a machete, and an airsoft rifle. Attached to the cart was a sign reading, “ICE off our streets.”
