BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A brick was thrown at the lobby window of the FBI Buffalo Field Office early Wednesday afternoon, leaving it shattered.
A statement from Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Stansbury was released shortly after the incident:
"Around 12:45 p.m. today, an individual walked up to the FBI Buffalo Field Office and threw a brick multiple times at the lobby window, shattering it. Interior screens prevented the individual from gaining entry to the building. No one was hurt. The individual was immediately detained by FBI security guards without further incident. Buffalo Police and Federal Protective Service officers also responded to the scene. We thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance. FBI Buffalo has opened an investigation and is working with the U.S. Attorney's Office regarding potential federal charges. As always, if members of the public observe threatening or suspicious activity, we encourage them to report it to tips.fbi.gov or their local field office."
On Thursday the U.S. Attorney's Office announced that 43-year-old Octavio Smith of Buffalo was arrested and charged by complaint with destruction of government property, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Smith was allegedly observed throwing the brick at the window and he was immediately detained by on-site security. Smith then allegedly told Buffalo police officers that he did it to “get the FBI's attention.”
The window needed to be replaced and the damage is estimated at around $5,000.
