Micah Jonah, March 8, 2026
Police in New York City say two people have been arrested after an improvised explosive device was thrown during a protest outside the official residence of the City’s Mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) said the incident occurred on Saturday near Gracie Mansion, where far-right demonstrators and counterprotesters had gathered.
According to police authorities, a man allegedly threw a device that was later identified as an improvised explosive device. The item did not detonate.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said preliminary analysis showed the object was not a smoke bomb or hoax device.
“It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death,” she said, adding that investigators are also examining a second device recovered near the scene.
Police identified the suspects as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, both of whom were taken into custody at the scene. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the investigation.
Authorities said the device contained nuts, bolts and screws along with a hobby-type fuse. Officers also alleged that Balat dropped a second device while attempting to flee the area.
The protest was reportedly led by far-right activist, Jake Lang, whose supporters had gathered near the mayor’s residence. Counterprotesters were also present, leading to tensions between the two groups.
In a statement on Sunday, Mayor Mamdani condemned the violence, said the use of an explosive device at a protest was unacceptable.
“Violence at a protest is never acceptable,” the mayor said, describing the incident as criminal, dangerous.
Authorities say investigations into the incident are ongoing.
