Man arrested in attempted arson attack on Atlanta ICE building, FBI says

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The FBI has arrested a suspect in the attempted arson attack on the federal building that houses U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices in Atlanta.

Authorities said an incendiary device was thrown at the building Tuesday night.

On Friday night, the FBI said Inique Hinton, 31, was arrested in connection to the attack on the ICE facility.

Hinton is facing federal charges of arson and damaging government property.

FBI Special Agent Shawn Matthews said Hinton was arrested peacefully at a home in Cobb County.

“This is an absolute highlight of the partnerships that we have here in Atlanta and the state of Georgia. And I’m very pleased that we were able to arrest the subject within three days. And again send a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” Matthews said.

U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said the attack is part of a broader concern about violence targeting the facility. He said attacks on federal property will be treated as serious criminal matters.

“An attack on this building, an attack on federal property is an attack against our democracy. It is an act of terrorism, it is an act of political violence, and it cannot stand,” Hertzberg said.

As debate over immigration continues, Hertzberg said people have the right to speak out and express their views. He said violence is not an acceptable way to do that.

“We can talk about immigration. We can have civil discourse, but we cannot allow criminal acts. Terroristic acts like the one that was committed three days ago,” Hertzberg said.

Hinton will have his first appearance on Monday in U.S. magistrate court.

The FBI had offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest in connection with the attempted arson.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Federal officials release new details in arson attempt at ICE building in Atlanta
• Incendiary device thrown at ICE building in downtown Atlanta, FBI says

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