Authorities in New York say a device thrown during protests outside the home of Mayor Zohran Mamdani over the weekend has been identified as an explosive capable of causing serious harm.
Police confirmed that the object was ignited and thrown during demonstrations near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor. Investigators later determined the device consisted of a glass jar packed with nuts, bolts and screws, wrapped in black tape and fitted with a fuse.
Officials said the device failed to detonate after it rolled toward officers and extinguished itself.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the explosive was one of two devices thrown during the protests. Authorities are continuing to examine the second device as part of the ongoing investigation.
Two people were taken into custody following the incident.
The demonstrations took place on Saturday outside Gracie Mansion, where Mamdani lives with his wife. The protest was organised by far right activist Jake Lang, who gathered supporters to oppose what he described as an Islamic “takeover” of the city and to protest public Muslim prayer.
Police said the group led by Lang consisted of roughly 20 participants. They were confronted by a significantly larger group of around 125 counterprotesters who assembled in opposition to the rally.
According to police, 18 year old Emir Balat was part of the counterprotest group when he lit the device and threw it toward the protest area. Commissioner Tisch said the explosive rolled near officers before going out.
Authorities allege Balat then fled the scene and later ignited a second device before dropping it in the street.
Balat and another man, identified as Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested at the scene.
Police are now working alongside federal investigators, including the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, as they continue to examine the incident and determine potential charges.
Mayor Mamdani issued a statement condemning the demonstration organised by Lang but said the use of violence during the protests was even more alarming.
“Violence at a protest is never acceptable,” Mamdani said. “The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”
Authorities said there is currently no immediate indication that the event is connected to the recent U.S. attack on Iran, though investigators are continuing to examine all possibilities.
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