New York City police said a device thrown during protests outside the home of Mayor Zohran Mamdani was an explosive capable of causing serious injury or death.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the device was ignited and thrown on Saturday outside Gracie Mansion but extinguished itself before it could explode.
Authorities said the device consisted of a jar filled with nuts, bolts and screws, wrapped in black tape and fitted with a fuse.
Police said two individuals were taken into custody following the incident.
Counter-protester Emir Balat is detained by New York Police Department (NYPD) officers outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during an anti-Islam protest led by far-right activist Jake Lang in New York, New York, U.S., March 7, 2026. Police said two individuals were arrested and are under investigation after homemade explosive devices were thrown during the demonstration. REUTERS/Madison Swart
Two Devices Thrown During Dueling Protests
The explosive was one of two devices thrown during demonstrations involving opposing groups outside the mayor’s residence.
The protests were sparked by a rally led by far-right activist Jake Lang, who gathered supporters to protest what he described as an Islamic “takeover” of New York City and public Muslim prayer.
Police said the demonstration included about 20 people, while a much larger counterprotest of roughly 125 people gathered nearby to oppose the rally.
Authorities said 18-year-old Emir Balat, who was among the counterprotesters, allegedly lit and threw the first device before fleeing. The device rolled near police officers before extinguishing itself.
A supporter of far right activist Jake Lang reacts outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during an anti-Islam protest that also drew counter-protesters in New York City, New York, U.S., March 7, 2026. REUTERS/Madison Swart
According to police, Balat later lit and dropped a second device in the street.
Balat and another man identified as Ibrahim Kayumi were arrested at the scene.
Investigation Underway With Federal Authorities
Police said the second device is still being examined as part of the investigation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice are assisting New York authorities with the case.
Tisch said there was no immediate indication the incident was related to the recent U.S. attack on Iran, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Mayor Condemns Violence
In a statement on Sunday, Mamdani condemned the violence that erupted during the protest.
“Violence at a protest is never acceptable,” he said. “The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”
Police said they did not believe Mamdani or his wife were at home when the incident occurred.
