New York City authorities revealed that a device, thrown and ignited during demonstrations outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence over the weekend, was identified as an explosive capable of causing severe harm or death. The device, a jar filled with nuts, bolts, and screws wrapped in black tape with a fuse, was hurled by a counter-protester on Saturday near Gracie Mansion. Fortunately, it self-extinguished before detonation, as confirmed by New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who mentioned that two individuals were taken into custody.
During the protests, which involved two opposing factions, two devices were reportedly tossed, with the second one currently under investigation, according to law enforcement officials. The initial device was part of a demonstration led by far-right activist Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, where Mamdani resides with his spouse. The protest focused on opposing what was claimed to be an Islamic “takeover” of New York City and public Muslim prayers. Mamdani and his wife were likely not present at the time, as stated by Tisch during a press briefing.
In response to Lang’s protest, Mamdani condemned the subsequent violence, emphasizing that resorting to an explosive device to harm others is not only criminal but also goes against their values. The protest organized by Lang, comprising around 20 individuals, faced a much larger counter-protest of 125 people aiming to denounce “Nazis” in New York. Emir Balat, 18, was identified among the counter-protesters and allegedly involved in lighting and throwing the device.
Balat and another individual, identified as Ibrahim Kayumi, were apprehended at the scene by law enforcement. The New York police, in collaboration with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, are actively investigating the incident. While authorities stated there were no immediate links to the U.S. conflict with Iran, they are continuing the probe to uncover further details.
