Arrest in the Atlanta ICE building attack case

This is a major new development in the October 20 incendiary-device attack on the Atlanta ICE building, first reported by Awaaz Punjab on October 21, when the FBI was seeking the suspect and had offered a reward. Read the original report

ATLANTA — A Douglasville, Georgia, man was arrested on Friday, October 23, on federal charges after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the Atlanta Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building earlier this week, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Northern District of Georgia

According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, the charges and other information presented in court, on October 20, 2026, at approximately 8:12 p.m., security cameras allegedly captured Inique Hinton, 31, of Douglasville, walking near the ICE building at 180 Ted Turner Drive in downtown Atlanta. Minutes later, Hinton allegedly ignited an item and threw it toward the ICE building, striking the exterior fence and causing flames to spread. Investigators afterwards recovered burned cloth, lighter fluid, a glass bottle and a lighter at the scene, the Justice Department said.

31Age of the accused, Inique Hinton of Douglasville, Georgia
Oct. 20, ~8:12 p.m.When the alleged attack on the ICE building took place
5–20 yearsPrison term authorities say the arson charge carries if he is convicted
$20,000Yaani 20 thousand dollars — the FBI reward offered for information before the arrest

A federal magistrate judge issued a criminal complaint on Friday charging Hinton with attempted arson of a federal building and depredation of government property, and several hours later Hinton was arrested at a residence in Cobb County, the Justice Department said. Atlanta Focal reported that he was taken into custody without incident and that Hertzberg announced the arrest at a news conference on Friday night; WSB-TV also reported the FBI news conference. If convicted, Hinton could face five to 20 years in prison for arson and up to 10 additional years for damaging government property, according to authorities cited by Atlanta Focal.

Source: Atlanta Focal

"Attacking a federal building with an incendiary device like a Molotov cocktail is a despicable, terroristic crime that warrants an immediate and severe response," U.S. Attorney Hertzberg said in the Justice Department statement. "Those who attack our government buildings with fire and violence will be held accountable," said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. The charges against Hinton are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.