The New York Police Department said the device ignited during a protest outside the mayor’s official residence was an improvised explosive that could have caused serious damage. The incident occurred Saturday during a demonstration near Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where a small anti-Islam protest and a larger counterprotest collided.According to the New York Police Department, tensions escalated during the demonstration organized by conservative activist Jake Lange, which was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.” About 20 people attended the protest, while about 125 counter-demonstrators gathered nearby. Police separated the two groups with barriers before the situation became chaotic.
Officials said the confrontation began when a member of the protest group used pepper spray on the opposition demonstrators.
Shortly after, a counter-protester lit a small device and threw it toward the protest area. The object struck a barrier and fell a few feet from the police officers before exiting.The same person then obtained another device from another person, authorities said. He ignited the second object but dropped it before it exploded. The police moved quickly and arrested those involved. No injuries were reported in the accident.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later said the device was neither a smoke bomb nor a hoax. After conducting a preliminary examination, the NYPD Bomb Squad confirmed that the device was an explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death. Investigators said the package appeared to be a jar wrapped in black tape and filled with nuts, bolts and bolts with fuses.Police arrested two men in connection with the devices. Authorities identified them as Amir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kiyomi, 19, both from Pennsylvania.
Several other people were arrested during the protest for offenses including use of pepper spray, disorderly conduct, and obstructing traffic. In total, six people were arrested at the scene.The protest took place outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani. City officials said the mayor was not injured during the incident.Mamdani condemned the violence and said that the use of explosive devices during the protest was criminal and unacceptable.During the protest, Jake Lange was seen holding a pig while participating in an anti-Islam demonstration during Ramadan. Social media users said the aim was to provoke Muslims during the holy month.
