In a tense and dramatic turn of events, a man from upstate New York found himself in custody in Brooklyn after allegedly announcing plans to attack federal agents. This coincided with the nationwide “No Kings” protests, a day that saw thousands take to the streets across the country.

David Cox, 54, was apprehended on Saturday in Brooklyn. Reports indicate that he had claimed to have firebombs in his vehicle and intended to “fight ICE agents” during the Manhattan demonstration. These alarming statements were reported by The New York Post.

The incident began when Cox allegedly shared his intentions with a bystander at a gas station in upstate New York the previous Friday night. The New York Police Department stated that it was this conversation that set off the chain of events leading to his arrest.

Photos from the scene captured Cox’s arrest, which occurred on October 18, 2025, a day marked by a significant protest in New York City. He faces multiple terrorism-related charges due to the threats he allegedly made against federal agents. This information was corroborated by Neil Constantine through NurPhoto/Getty Images.

After Cox departed the gas station, the concerned bystander promptly alerted local authorities about the troubling conversation. The next day, as approximately 100,000 demonstrators gathered in the city for the “No Kings” rally, law enforcement officials tracked Cox’s vehicle into Brooklyn. He was apprehended without any resistance, according to police reports. The swift response highlights the coordinated efforts of law enforcement amid such large-scale public demonstrations.

The next day, as 100,000 demonstrators flooded the city’s streets for a “No Kings” rally, authorities were alerted that Cox’s vehicle had crossed into Brooklyn, and he was taken into custody without incident, according to the NYPD. 

Police did not locate any firebombs or weapons inside Cox’s vehicle, The Post reported. 

Over 100,000 people gathered and marched in Manhattan for the “No Kings” protest in New York City on Oct. 18, 2025.   (Neil Constantine/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Cox is charged with making a terroristic threat, false report of terrorism and making a threat of mass harm, police said. 

The charges come after tens of thousands of protesters spoke out against President Donald Trump’s administration in the nationwide demonstrations, with attendees often clad in satirical costumes and carrying signs. 

Despite the large crowds descending on the Big Apple, no protest-related arrests were made, according to the NYPD. 

Police said Cox was taken into custody in Brooklyn without incident after he allegedly traveled from upstate New York to harm federal agents on the same day as the “No Kings” protest in New York City on Oct. 18, 2025.   (Neil Constantine/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

However, three people were arrested in Portland after federal authorities were forced to deploy tear gas on protesters when one rally turned violent. Additionally, 15 people were arrested at a protest outside a Broadview, Illinois, ICE facility. 

Fox News Digital was unable to immediately locate an attorney representing Cox.