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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has shared a statement following a terrifying incident that occurred near his home.

On Saturday, March 7, Jake Lang, a pardoned January 6 rioter, organized an anti-Islam protest in Manhattan. Violence ensued, as authorities told People that a protester from Lang’s group pepper-sprayed counter-protesters, and about 20 minutes later, a counter-protester allegedly “lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area,” ending up on the sidewalk.

The newly elected politician, 34, took to X on Sunday, March 8, to address the situation that occurred outside his residence where he lives with wife Rama Duwaji.

“Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City,” Mamdani wrote. “It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are.”

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“What followed was even more disturbing,” he continued. “Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”

“I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe,” Mamdani added. “Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day. My administration is closely monitoring the situation and I remain in close contact with our Police Commissioner.”

Also on Sunday, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch shared more information on the explosive device via X, naming the two individuals in connection who are in police custody.

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“The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb,” she explained. “It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death. Further analysis will be conducted, including on a second device.”

“Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were arrested on scene yesterday and are in custody in connection with this matter,” Tish revealed, noting, “The NYPD is working on this investigation with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI through our Joint Terrorism Task Force.”