New York City police and the FBI are investigating an improvised explosive device ignited outside Gracie Mansion during protests on Saturday as a potential act of terrorism. This investigation stems, in part, from statements made by one of the two suspects in custody referencing ISIS, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The device was one of two ignited during clashing demonstrations outside the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. On Sunday afternoon, the NYPD Bomb Squad deployed a robot several blocks from the protest site to search a vehicle believed to belong to the suspects.
Police blocked off the area around East 81st Street and East End Avenue for their investigation.
Two men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, ages 18 and 19, were taken into custody and are being interviewed by the NYPD and FBI. The arrests occurred during an anti-Islam demonstration led by conservative influencer Jake Lang, which was met by a larger group of counterprotesters. Mayor Mamdani and First Lady Rama Duwaji were at home during the incident.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, “The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb. It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”
Investigators are continuing their analysis of a second device recovered on Saturday.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images View of an unexploded homemade device in front of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence in New York on Saturday.
Mayor Mamdani released a statement denouncing the protest organized by Jake Lang as “rooted in bigotry and racism” and condemning the attempted use of an explosive device as “reprehensible.” He thanked the NYPD for their swift response.
According to police, the initial protests were separated by barriers, but tensions escalated around 12:30 p.m. When an 18-year-old counterprotester ignited and threw a device that extinguished after hitting a barrier near police officers. The same individual then lit a second device before dropping it.
The two men arrested were counterprotesters to Lang’s demonstration, which was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer.”
Six people were arrested in total: the two men accused of deploying the devices, one person who deployed pepper spray, and three others for disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the nature of the devices used during the protests?
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the devices were improvised explosive devices, not hoax devices or smoke bombs, and had the potential to cause serious injury or death.
Who are the suspects in custody?
The suspects are Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, ages 18 and 19, who are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania. They are being interviewed by the NYPD and FBI.
What was Mayor Mamdani’s response to the protests and violence?
Mayor Mamdani denounced Jake Lang’s protest as rooted in bigotry and racism and condemned the attempted use of an explosive device as reprehensible. He also thanked the NYPD for their response.
As the investigation continues, what further steps might law enforcement take to assess potential threats and ensure public safety in New York City?
