Device ignited at Gracie Mansion protest was an improvised explosive, NYPD says
Improvised Explosive Ignited During Gracie Mansion Protest, NYPD Confirms
New York City’s mayor’s residence at Gracie Mansion was the site of a small explosive device being set off during simultaneous demonstrations on Saturday. Police confirmed the item was an improvised explosive device, as reported by the NYPD. Two men were detained following the incident, which occurred amid an anti-Islam rally organized by conservative figure Jake Lang and a counterprotest organized by supporters of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The initial event, titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer,” attracted approximately 20 participants. However, the counterprotest swelled to around 125 demonstrators at its peak. Both groups were divided into separate zones by law enforcement as the protests began at 11 a.m. Tensions quickly heightened within an hour, leading to a confrontation where one Lang supporter launched pepper spray at the counterprotesters and was arrested.
At 12:30 p.m., an 18-year-old counterprotester “lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area,” according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The two suspects, from Pennsylvania, are currently in federal custody and being questioned by agents from both the FBI and local police. Their homes and electronic devices are under investigation as authorities search for additional explosives, citing precautionary measures.
“Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were apprehended on scene yesterday and are in custody in connection with this matter,” Tisch stated in a post on X. She emphasized that further testing is ongoing to determine the device’s full capabilities.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim, was inside Gracie Mansion during the incident. He praised the swift actions of law enforcement and condemned the original rally, calling it “rooted in bigotry.” “What followed was even more disturbing,” Mamdani said in a Sunday statement. “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.”
The event unfolded during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which involves global Muslim fasting from sunrise to sunset. This period is traditionally marked by spiritual reflection and communal unity, making the act of using an explosive device at the mansion particularly symbolic.
Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her. Jonathan Dienst serves as chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV in New York. Tom Winter is NBC’s National Law Enforcement and Intelligence Correspondent.
