New York state remains in a “heightened threat environment” following a terrorist attack outside Gracie Mansion Saturday, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul said in a post on X Monday.
Two men were arrested following the attack, which saw improvised explosive devices (IED) thrown during a protest organized by Jake Lang over the weekend.
Sunday, New York Police Department (NYPD) officers located another IED inside a vehicle, prompting evacuations as officials worked to contain the scene.
As a result of the attack, Hochul said state police have increased their presence across New York and are supporting the NYPD’s ongoing investigation as part of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Over 1,000 members of the National Guard are still deployed across critical transit sites in the city, Hochul said, adding, “We will keep New Yorkers safe and updated.”
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference on Monday that the incident is being investigated as an “act of ISIS-inspired terrorism.”
The threat comes amid security concerns as the Iran War entered a second week.
Where is Gracie Mansion?
Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is located on 88th Street & East End Avenue.
Was There a Bomb Threat at Gracie Mansion?
Tisch said on Sunday that the NYPD Bomb Squad conducted a preliminary analysis of a device ignited and deployed at a protest on Saturday. Tisch said the bomb squad officials determined that it was not a hoax device or a smoke bomb.
“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,” Tisch said.
Who Are Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi?
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested at the scene on Saturday and are in custody in connection with the matter, Tisch said.
Mamdani said at a press conference on Monday that the men traveled from Pennsylvania and “attempted to bring violence to New York City.”
“They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism,” Mamdani said. “There is video of these two individuals throwing two devices towards the protest.”
New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine, citing information from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, told Newsweek the two individuals arrested in connection with the device were part of the counter-protest, not Lang’s group.
What is an IED?
An IED, or improvised explosive device, also commonly referred to as a “homemade” bomb, is a weapon of choice for many terrorists, criminals, vandals, violent extremists, suicide bombers and insurgents, according to the National Coordinator for Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience. An IED is “a device placed or fabricated in an improvised manner incorporating destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic or incendiary chemicals and designed to destroy, incapacitate, harass or distract,” according to the agency.
How Did Zohran Mamdani React?
Mamdani said on X on Sunday, “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. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are. What followed was even more disturbing. 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.”
He continued, “I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe. Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day.”
Mamdani said his administration is monitoring the situation and he remains in close contact with the police commissioner.
The mayor said at a press conference on Monday, “Anyone who comes to New York City to bring violence to our streets will be held accountable in accordance with the law.”
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