Improvised explosive device was thrown near Zohran Mamdani’s residence during Saturday's protest: NYPD

The device was thrown outside Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence.

According to police, it was a jar packed with nuts, bolts and screws, wrapped in black tape and fitted with a fuse.

Authorities said the device began emitting smoke but extinguished on its own before any explosion occurred.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD’s bomb squad later conducted a preliminary analysis of the device.

“The NYPD Bomb Squad has determined that the device was not a hoax or a smoke bomb. It was an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death,” Tisch said in a statement posted on X.

Investigators said two devices were thrown during the confrontation between opposing groups at the protest.

The second device is still being examined by authorities.

Two people were taken into custody in connection with the incident. Police identified them as 18-year-old Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi.

According to police, Balat allegedly fled after throwing the first device and later ignited and dropped a second device in the street.

The confrontation occurred during a protest organised by far-right activist Jake Lang under the banner “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City”.

Police said Lang’s group had about 20 participants, while a much larger group of around 125 counter-protesters gathered nearby to oppose the rally.

Authorities said there is currently no indication that the incident is linked to the United States’ ongoing military campaign against Iran, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Mamdani condemned the violence in a statement on Sunday.

“Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are,” he said.