Honduran national arrested after violent attempt to grab officer’s loaded gun during outburst at federal building in New York

New York – A 19-year-old man from Honduras has been charged with assaulting a federal protective officer and trying to seize the officer’s loaded firearm during a violent outburst at 26 Federal Plaza, a busy government building in lower Manhattan that houses Immigration Court.

The incident happened on the morning of June 6, 2025, as the building was open to the public. The suspect, identified as Joel Antonio Alonzo, allegedly became aggressive shortly after arriving in the area, pushing his way past others and throwing papers toward court personnel working behind a service window. The disturbance occurred in full view of civilians, including children, who were present in the building at the time.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, Alonzo’s behavior escalated rapidly when he lunged at a federal protective service officer and grabbed the officer’s firearm. Authorities say he used considerable force in an attempt to pull the loaded weapon from its holster, creating a dangerous situation in a crowded federal facility.

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Thankfully, officers on site responded swiftly, subduing Alonzo before he could gain control of the firearm. His actions were stopped due to the “quick actions and training of the federal protective security officers,” according to the complaint.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, who announced the charges on Friday, did not hold back in condemning the alleged attack. “The safety of federal facilities and the dedicated personnel who serve there is non-negotiable,” said Clayton. “Joel Antonio Alonzo’s alleged attempt to forcibly seize a firearm from a federal security officer in a crowded public area endangered not only law enforcement personnel but also civilians, including children, nearby. We will prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone who threatens the safety of our communities and the federal officers sworn to protect them.”

Alonzo was charged with one count of assaulting a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon, a serious federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge reflects not only the physical nature of the attack but also the danger posed by Alonzo’s alleged attempt to grab a loaded weapon in a public setting.

Following his arrest, Alonzo was presented before Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses in federal court on Friday afternoon. Prosecutors emphasized that while the maximum sentence is 20 years, the final outcome will be determined by a judge if the defendant is found guilty.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, called the incident part of a disturbing national trend. “Joel Antonio Alonzo, an illegal alien, assaulted one of our DHS law enforcement officers and lunged for his loaded gun,” McLaughlin stated. “This incident underscores a disturbing trend—assaults against ICE personnel have increased. Secretary Noem has been perfectly clear: Anyone who threatens the lives of federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Department of Homeland Security has recently expressed growing concern over the rising number of assaults on immigration and customs enforcement personnel. Officials say these confrontations are not only dangerous for law enforcement, but they also place members of the public in harm’s way when they occur in public facilities.

The complaint further alleges that Alonzo’s actions were unprovoked and aggressive from the start. Upon entering 26 Federal Plaza, which houses various immigration-related offices and courtrooms, he reportedly forced his way to the front of a line and threw documents at staff without explanation or warning. The federal building is typically heavily monitored, and officers were quick to engage Alonzo once he became visibly disruptive.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Zabel is handling the prosecution as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s General Crimes Unit, which often deals with initial filings and urgent matters involving federal offenses.

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At this point in the legal process, Alonzo remains presumed innocent. Authorities have not released information on whether he has legal representation or whether he will face additional charges related to his immigration status. Officials also did not provide details about what brought Alonzo to the courthouse that day or whether he was scheduled to appear in court.

The case has drawn attention in part because of the location where it took place. 26 Federal Plaza is one of the busiest federal buildings in New York City and sees hundreds of visitors each day, including families, attorneys, and asylum seekers. The building also houses sensitive government operations, making the alleged attack even more alarming to officials.

As the investigation continues, federal authorities are reminding the public that the safety of their officers and public facilities is paramount. Officials say they will take any threats seriously and act swiftly when necessary.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day, even in what might seem like secure government spaces. For now, Joel Antonio Alonzo remains in custody, awaiting the next steps in a case that could lead to serious federal prison time if convicted.