FBI investigating ‘incendiary device’ thrown at ICE field office in Atlanta

The incident occurred at around 9:20 pm on October 20. Federal agents were present at the scene and collecting evidence as part of the investigation.

“The FBI is investigating reports that an incendiary device was thrown at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in downtown Atlanta at approximately 9:30 p.m. on October 20,” the agency said in a statement. “FBI personnel and evidence response technicians are on site collecting evidence. There is no known threat to public safety at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are currently available.”

According to WSB-TV, evidence collected from the sidewalk outside the building included a plastic lighter and a shopping bag containing what appeared to be two bottles of lighter fluid.

The X account LibsofTikTok shared photos provided by the Department of Homeland Security showing objects in a plastic bag. The account said that the device “did not reach the facility, as it became caught on the top of the perimeter fence.”

LibsofTikTok also identified the suspect as a Hispanic male.

“An Atlanta Police Officer in the vicinity observed the incident and attempted to apprehend the subject by chasing him on foot; however, the suspect fled the scene and was not apprehended. FBI, HSI, and APD are actively investigating and searching for the perpetrator,” the account said.

The ICE facility shares a building with an immigration court. Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or announced a motive.

The incident is the latest in attacks and violence around ICE facilities. Last month, a suspect was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting outside an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon. Mahmoud Sai Ali, a Somali immigrant, was taken into custody and charged with felony second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the shooting.