Tensions flared outside the mayor’s official residence in Manhattan after authorities confirmed that explosive devices thrown during a protest were genuine improvised explosive devices, raising alarms across the city and triggering a federal investigation.
Officials say the incident unfolded during heated demonstrations near Gracie Mansion, where opposing groups had gathered Saturday morning. What began as a volatile protest quickly escalated into a criminal investigation involving explosive devices, multiple arrests, and federal counterterrorism authorities.
Authorities Confirm Explosive Devices
Law enforcement officials confirmed that two suspicious devices recovered during the protest were, in fact, real explosive devices capable of causing serious harm.
“The FBI and NYPD confirmed the suspicious items to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” FBI New York wrote on X. “Additionally, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will be conducting interviews, reviewing videos, collecting evidence, and chasing down all leads.”
Investigators later revealed that the search did not stop there. A third suspicious device was discovered inside a vehicle in Manhattan on Sunday afternoon as authorities continued their probe.
The discovery widened the scope of the investigation and prompted coordination between local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Bomb Squad Analysis Reveals Serious Threat
Meanwhile, the NYPD Bomb Squad conducted an initial assessment of the first device that had been ignited during the protest. Officials quickly determined it was not a fake device.
“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,” Tisch wrote. “It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”
At the time of the statement, authorities were still analyzing a second device recovered from the area.
Suspects Arrested After Explosive Thrown
Police arrested two suspects, identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi. Both remain in custody as investigators continue building their case.
According to federal law enforcement sources, both suspects are believed to be U.S. citizens. Officials also reported that one suspect allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before igniting and throwing an IED toward the protest area.
The investigation is now being handled jointly by the NYPD, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York through the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Violent Clash During Dueling Demonstrations
The incident took place near East End Avenue and East 87th Street, just steps from Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Two opposing demonstrations had gathered in the area Saturday morning. One rally had been organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang in opposition to public Muslim prayer, while counter protesters assembled nearby.
Initially, police kept both groups separated to prevent confrontations. However, tensions rose after pepper spray was deployed during a clash between participants.
Roughly thirty minutes later, authorities say an 18 year old counter protester ignited a device and threw it toward the protest area.
Witnesses described seeing flames and smoke erupt briefly before the device extinguished near responding officers.
Police say the suspect then retrieved a second device from a 19 year old accomplice, ignited it, and attempted to flee the scene.
Officers quickly moved in and arrested both suspects, identified as Balat and Kayumi.
Explosive Devices Packed With Shrapnel
Bomb technicians later examined the devices recovered at the scene. Their findings revealed a disturbing level of preparation.
Authorities said the devices consisted of jars wrapped in black tape, slightly smaller than a football.
X ray scans showed the containers were filled with nuts, bolts, and screws, materials often used to create improvised shrapnel capable of causing severe injuries. Investigators also identified a hobby fuse that could be lit to trigger the device.
Three additional individuals were also arrested during the protest on charges including disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.
Mayor Condemns Violence Near Gracie Mansion
Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident in a public statement Sunday, condemning both the protest and the violence that followed.
“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,” Mamdani wrote. “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.”
The mayor also thanked law enforcement officers who responded to the incident and said city officials are monitoring developments closely as the investigation continues.
Authorities say the probe remains active as investigators review evidence, analyze video footage, and pursue additional leads connected to the explosive devices.
