Authorities in New York City confirmed that a homemade explosive thrown during weekend protests outside the mayor’s residence was capable of causing severe harm or fatalities. The device, containing metal fragments, was hurled by a counterprotester but failed to detonate, leading to two arrests.
Authorities in New York City confirmed Sunday that a homemade bomb hurled during weekend demonstrations near Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence had the potential to inflict severe injuries or kill people.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the improvised explosive consisted of a glass container packed with nuts, bolts, and screws, covered in black tape and equipped with a fuse. A counterprotester launched the device on Saturday near Gracie Mansion, though it failed to detonate after the fuse burned out. Two individuals are now in police custody, Tisch confirmed.
Police reported that demonstrators threw two such devices during the confrontation between opposing groups. Officials are still analyzing the second explosive, Tisch noted.
Far-right organizer Jake Lang orchestrated Saturday’s demonstration at Gracie Mansion, where Mamdani resides with his spouse, protesting what he claimed was an Islamic “takeover” of the city and opposing Muslim public prayer. Tisch indicated during Saturday’s news conference that the mayor and his wife appeared to be away during the incident.
On Sunday, Mamdani issued a statement criticizing Lang’s demonstration while expressing greater concern about the subsequent violence.
“Violence at a protest is never acceptable,” Mamdani said. “The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”
Lang’s gathering drew approximately 20 participants, while a significantly larger counter-demonstration of 125 people formed to drive “Nazis” from New York, Tisch explained during Saturday’s briefing. Authorities identified 18-year-old Emir Balat as a counterprotester who ignited and launched the explosive device.
The bomb rolled toward officers before its fuse died out, Tisch reported Saturday. After throwing the first device, Balat fled but subsequently ignited and discarded a second explosive in the roadway, according to the commissioner.
Police apprehended Balat and a second suspect, later identified as Ibrahim Kayumi, at the scene. The NYPD is collaborating with federal authorities including the FBI and Justice Department on the ongoing investigation.
While Tisch stated Saturday that investigators found no immediate connection between the incident and recent U.S. military action against Iran, the probe continues.