Four people are in custody after a possible smoke bomb went off during an anti-Muslim protest outside Gracie Mansion, causing a mass panic on Saturday.
Police said there were no injuries and no explosion at the scene, where dozens of demonstrators and counter-protesters hastily fled after the smoke started to billow from a device that was thrown by an individual at the crowd.
An unknown device went off at Gracie Mansion on Saturday, causing a plume of smoke and inciting chaos, according to sources and police. REUTERS
A man was seen holding the possible smoke bomb during the protest outside Gracie Mansion. REUTERS
Four people, including one man seen holding the unknown device, were arrested. REUTERS
The unknown device that went off outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
“It looks like a possible smoke bomb. We’re not tracking any injuries,” police sources told The Post.
A total of two devices were found at the scene, according to the NYPD.
Two people were in custody for allegedly throwing or bringing a device, and two others were taken into custody in relation to the raucous protests, the sources said.
Photos show an unidentified individual light what appears to be suspiciously constructed grenade and move to launch it in the street towards a throng of people.
Video of the same individual showed him lighting a similar device and running down the street before being tackled by the NYPD.
Other photos show a different individual also getting tackled and dog-piled by police at the scene.
The anti-Muslim rally outside Gracie Mansion was organized by right-wing agitator Jake Lang, who was photographed holding a pepper spray amid chaos. AFP via Getty Images
Police clashed with protestors during the rally outside Gracie Mansion. REUTERS
Right-wing influencer Jake Lang raises a fist at Saturday’s protest organized by the influencer. Getty Images
That individual spoke to the suspicious grenade-hurler seconds before they were both tackled, according to the video.
More video from the scene circulating on social media showed scuffles between the two sides with one individual deploying pepper spray as he was stalked by a crowd of angry, masked demonstrators.
The anti-Muslim rally outside Gracie Mansion was organized by right-wing agitator Jake Lang, who was assaulted during a similar demonstration in Chicago last month.
A left-wing activist carrying a suspicious explosive device runs towards police during Saturday’s protest. AFP via Getty Images
A left-wing activist is detained by police after throwing a suspicious explosive device towards police during the protest. AFP via Getty Images
This photo shows an unexploded suspicious explosive device thrown by a left-wing activist towards police during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang against alleged “Islamification” in New York on Saturday. AFP via Getty Images
A man is arrested after throwing a curiously constructed smoke grenade at right-wing activist Jake Lang and his supporters on March 7, 2026, in New York City. Getty Images
Right-wing protesters demonstrate at the rally. Getty Images
Counterprotesters also showed up in force after online ground General Strike NYC called for their supporters to meet Lang with their own “Run The Nazis Out Of NYC,” event.
Lang’s group brought out roughly 10 supporters while about 75 counter-protesters showed up to combat his incendiary demonstration.
Police have not released the identity of any individuals in custody or announced any charges.