NEW YORK (TNND) — An attack with improvised explosives at an anti-Islam demonstration outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan on Saturday is being investigated as ISIS-inspired terrorism, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Two men were in custody after the incident unfolded during a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” protest near the home of New York City’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Amir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi reportedly traveled from Pennsylvania in an attempt “to bring violence to New York City,” Mamdani said in a Monday morning news conference.
They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism,” Mamdani added. “There is video of these two individuals throwing two devices towards the protest. The police department determined that these were improvised explosive devices made to injure, maim or worse.
Tisch said the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were real and potentially lethal, containing explosive material including TATP (triacetone triperoxide), a volatile substance used in terrorist attacks. A third suspicious device was later found in a vehicle connected to the suspects, though it tested negative for explosives.
Authorities stated there is currently no evidence linking the incident to overseas conflicts, including hostilities involving Iran. The suspects will face federal prosecution in Manhattan.
Mamdani praised the swift and courageous actions of NYPD officers, particularly Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro, who ran toward the danger to protect civilians. The city remains in a heightened state of alert and has increased counterterrorism deployments.
No prior credible threats from the suspects had been identified before the incident, and authorities currently have no information suggesting additional suspects were involved. The investigation is ongoing.
In a social media post on Sunday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department’s bomb squad determined the object was an “improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”
The same person who threw the device into the crowd received a second device from another counterprotester, which was dropped and did not appear to ignite, according to the commissioner.
Tisch said police were working with federal prosecutors and the FBI on the case. The FBI said agents with the bureau’s Joint Terrorism Task Force were participating in the investigation.
“Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism,” Mamdani said in a Sunday statement on X. “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,” he continued. “The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”