Georgia man arrested for arson, throwing Molotov cocktail at Atlanta ICE facility in ‘terrorist crime’

Inique Hinton, 31, faces federal charges of attempted arson of a federal building and depredation of government property, according to a criminal complaint. Officers arrested him at a home in Cobb County a few hours after the complaint was filed.

Prosecutors said the incident unfolded at around 8:12 pm. Surveillance cameras reportedly recorded Hinton walking in the vicinity of the ICE office at 180 Ted Turner Drive.

A few minutes later, authorities allege that he took a Molotov cocktail and tossed it at the building. The device reportedly hit the perimeter fence, and fire spread from the point of impact.

Investigators later collected evidence from the scene, including a glass bottle, scorched fabric, lighter fluid, and a lighter.

Federal officials condemned the incident and pledged to pursue the case aggressively.

"Attacking a federal building with an incendiary device like a Molotov cocktail is a despicable, terroristic crime that warrants an immediate and severe response," said US Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "My office will relentlessly investigate, pursue, and prosecute any act of arson targeting government institutions and will ensure that the perpetrators bear the full consequences of their actions."

Marlo Graham, the Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, echoed that message.

"Those who attack our government buildings with fire and violence will be held accountable," Graham said. "The FBI stands with our law enforcement partners to defend our communities while respecting everyone's first amendment rights."

The FBI is leading the investigation, with support from the Atlanta Police Department. Assistant US Attorney Dashene Cooper is handling the prosecution. Hinton faces a maximum of 20 years if he is convicted of the arson charge, and the investigation is ongoing.