Former Soldier Accused of Targeted Arson | Raleigh News

A former Army soldier with no prior criminal record is facing serious charges after allegedly setting fire to a Manhattan federal building housing immigration and law enforcement offices—using gasoline, fireworks, and a pellet gun in a meticulously planned attack that injured three people, including someone with an immigration court hearing. Prosecutors say he confessed and traveled to buy supplies, highlighting the danger posed by a building that’s also a protest hotspot. Despite his defense’s claims of mental health issues and intent to damage property only, a judge ordered him held without bail, citing flight risk and scheduling a psychiatric evaluation while he’s in jail—not at a VA facility as requested. The evidence, including his confession, is described as overwhelming, and the judge emphasized the deliberate timing of the attack to maximize impact during a busy weekday. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/be28cf65355a4329