A homemade explosive was thrown near NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence during protests, prompting a terrorism investigation as police say the device could have caused serious injury or death.
MediaBites Editorial
A homemade explosive device was thrown near the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, raising fears of what authorities described as a potentially deadly attack during heated protests outside Gracie Mansion.
Police say the device, hurled toward officers and demonstrators on Manhattan’s Upper East Side on Saturday, could have caused “serious injury or death.” The incident has triggered a major counterterrorism investigation involving federal authorities.
Terror probe launched
The New York Police Department said two men from Pennsylvania were arrested in connection with the explosive devices.
Investigators say the suspects admitted being inspired by ISIS, prompting the involvement of the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Authorities said the device was made with TATP, a powerful and unstable explosive often used in terrorist attacks. The bomb also contained nuts, bolts, and screws, which could have acted as lethal shrapnel if the device had detonated.
Protest tensions erupt
The explosive was thrown during rival demonstrations outside the mayor’s residence during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
An anti-Islam protest organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang drew around 20 participants, while a counter-protest called “Drive the Nazis Out of New York” attracted roughly 125 people.
Police had placed the groups in separate protest areas, but tensions escalated shortly before noon when a protester used pepper spray against counter-demonstrators.
About 20 minutes later, an 18-year-old protester lit and threw the explosive device, which landed on a crosswalk near police officers.
Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as the device traveled through the air before hitting a barrier and extinguishing itself just feet from officers.
Second explosive device recovered
Authorities say the suspect then attempted to ignite a second device, allegedly retrieved from a 19-year-old accomplice, before officers intervened.
Both suspects were arrested at the scene as police secured the area.
Bomb squad experts later confirmed that the devices were homemade explosives roughly the size of a jar wrapped in black tape.
Additional security scare
Later Sunday, authorities also investigated a suspicious device found in a vehicle several blocks from Gracie Mansion. Police temporarily evacuated nearby buildings while the bomb squad removed the object for testing.
In total, six people were arrested during the protest, including the two suspects linked to the explosives, a protester accused of using pepper spray, and three others charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.
Mamdani condemns violence
Mayor Mamdani condemned the attack and said the attempt to use explosives during a protest was unacceptable.
“Violence at a protest is never acceptable,” Mamdani said. “The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, but it is reprehensible.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also said she had been briefed on the incident and was relieved no injuries were reported.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine whether the suspects had broader extremist connections or planned additional attacks.
