An improvised explosive device was thrown during dueling protests outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Zohran Mamdani, prompting a major police response and multiple arrests, according to authorities.
Officials with the New York City Police Department said six people were arrested following the tense demonstration in New York City on Saturday.
Police Confirm Device Was a Real Explosive
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department’s Bomb Squad determined that one of the devices thrown during the protest was a genuine improvised explosive device (IED).
According to Tisch, the device was ignited before being thrown and was not a hoax or smoke bomb.
“It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death,” Tisch said. Investigators are also analyzing a second suspicious device recovered at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as the device traveled through the air before hitting a barrier and extinguishing a few feet from police officers.
Anti-Muslim Protest Sparks Counterdemonstration
Police said about 20 demonstrators linked to far-right activist Jake Lang gathered outside the mayor’s residence for an anti-Muslim protest. Around 120 counterprotesters also assembled nearby, escalating tensions.
Authorities said one protester allegedly used pepper spray on a counterprotester and was arrested.
Police later detained two suspects—ages 18 and 19—who were allegedly involved with the explosive devices. Officials said the devices appeared to be jars wrapped in black tape and filled with nuts, bolts, screws, and a hobby fuse.
Mayor Condemns Violence and Hate
Mayor Mamdani condemned the protest and the use of violence, calling the incident an attack on the city’s values.
“Such hate has no place in New York City,” Mamdani said in a statement, adding that attempts to harm others with explosives are “reprehensible.”
A spokesperson confirmed that the mayor and his wife were safe during the incident.
Investigation Ongoing
In addition to the suspects connected to the devices and the pepper spray incident, three others were arrested for disorderly conduct and blocking traffic.
No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police praised officers at the scene for quickly responding and securing the area.
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