A suspected arson attack targeted an NYPD parking lot in Bushwick, Brooklyn, early Thursday morning, resulting in at least 11 police vehicles being set ablaze and several others vandalized. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. near Central and DeKalb avenues, just a block from the 83rd Precinct. Surveillance footage captured a masked individual dressed in black entering the lot by jumping a fence, then systematically setting fire to the vehicles using incendiary devices. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported. In addition to the burned vehicles, investigators found undetonated fire starter balls and hay bundles placed on other cars, suggesting a broader intent to cause damage 567.
Authorities are treating the case as arson and criminal mischief, and a large-scale investigation is underway involving the NYPD’s Arson and Explosion Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The suspect was interrupted by a security officer and fled the scene, leaving behind evidence including a torch lighter and surveillance footage now under review. Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch visited the scene, condemning the attack as an unacceptable act of violence against law enforcement. Adams emphasized that while peaceful protest is a right, destruction of public property will not be tolerated, and pledged to use all available resources to bring those responsible to justice 567.
The incident follows hours after anti-ICE protests and clashes with police in Lower Manhattan, raising questions about a possible connection between the demonstrations and the arson attack. While local protests have been mostly peaceful, authorities have noted the timing and are investigating any links to nationwide unrest related to immigration enforcement. Community leaders expressed concern over the escalation, urging peaceful protest and denouncing violence. The NYPD continues to canvass the area for additional evidence and is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers 457.
- https://news.yahoo.com/news/vandals-torch-8-nypd-vehicles-160400603.html
- https://www.police1.com/fire/8-nypd-cruisers-set-on-fire-undetonated-explosive-devices-found-nearby
- https://www.nbcnewyork.com/brooklyn/nypd-cars-fire-bushwick-incendiary-device-updates/6300017/
- https://www.foxnews.com/us/anti-ice-rioters-fight-nypd-set-police-cars-fire
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nypd-cars-set-on-fire-brooklyn/
- https://nypost.com/2025/06/12/us-news/nypd-vehicles-burned-in-suspected-arson-attack-in-brooklyn/
- https://ny1.com/nyc/brooklyn/public-safety/2025/06/12/arsonist-sets-fire-to-nearly-a-dozen-nypd-vehicles-in-brooklyn–police-say
- https://www.amny.com/news/arsonist-brooklyn-fire-nypd-vehicles-lot-06122025/
Sources: Big New York news BigNY.com
Video: ABC7 New York , The Now FOX
