Authorities investigate explosives thrown near NYC mayor’s residence as ‘ISIS-related terrorism’

Authorities in New York City are investigating a possible ISIS connection to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found near Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence, Gracie Mansion. The investigation began after a counterprotester threw an IED at an anti-Islam demonstration led by Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Police detained Emir Balat, who allegedly attempted to detonate an IED during the counterprotest. A second suspicious device was discovered in the same area of Manhattan's Upper East Side on Sunday. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that authorities are exploring whether the individuals involved were inspired by the Islamic State.

Two men from Pennsylvania, Ibrahim Kayumi and Emir Balat, were arrested on Saturday for allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices outside New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence during an anti-Islam protest near Gracie Mansion in Manhattan. The devices, containing the highly volatile explosive TATP, did not detonate and were secured by the NYPD bomb squad. Officials have described the incident as an act of "Isis-inspired terrorism." The incident occurred during a "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" demonstration and a counter-protest. Mayor Mamdani, who was not home at the time, condemned the violence and praised the NYPD for their swift action, emphasizing that New York City will not tolerate violence from any side. Six people were arrested at the protest.

New York City police are investigating an incident that occurred Saturday at an anti-Islam protest organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang. The incident began when someone from Lang's group pepper-sprayed a counterprotest near Gracie Mansion. A counterprotester then lit and threw a device containing nuts, bolts, and screws at the protesting crowd; a second similar device was dropped nearby. Authorities are unsure if the devices were functional or a hoax. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident. No injuries were reported, and Mayor Mamdani was believed to be absent from the residence. Lang, who received clemency for January 6-related charges, is now running for US Senate in Florida.

New York City police are investigating an incident at an anti-Islam protest near Gracie Mansion on Saturday. The event began when someone from the "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" protest, associated with Jake Lang, used pepper spray on a group of counterprotesters. In response, a counterprotester lit and threw a device containing nuts, bolts, and screws at the protesting crowd. The device struck a barrier and extinguished itself near police officers. A second similar device was dropped nearby. All three individuals involved have been arrested. Authorities are investigating the nature of the devices, determining whether they were functional or a hoax. No injuries were reported, and the mayor was believed to be absent from the residence at the time.