Explosive scare outside Zohran Mamdani residence as two suspects detained during protest
Devices believed to be explosive were thrown during a protest outside the official residence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Police detained two suspects while authorities continue to investigate whether the devices were functional.
Panic broke out in New York after suspected explosive devices were thrown during a protest near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The New York Police Department (NYPD) detained two suspects as investigators began examining whether the devices posed a real threat.
Devices thrown during protest
The incident occurred near Gracie Mansion while a protest was taking place outside the mayor’s residence. Far-right influencer Jake Lang was demonstrating against what he described as “Islamification” and calling for an end to public Muslim prayers in New York.
Police said around 20 protesters attended the demonstration, while approximately 125 counter-protesters gathered nearby.
Two suspects detained
Authorities confirmed that 18-year-old Amir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Nick were detained in connection with the incident. Officials said the suspects were believed to have handled the devices during the protest.
Police officers who were heavily deployed in the area quickly intervened and detained the suspects before the situation escalated.
Devices contained bolts and screws
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said preliminary examinations showed the devices appeared to be jars wrapped in black tape containing nuts, bolts and screws along with a fuse.
“The devices were a bit smaller than a football and appeared to be a jar wrapped in black tape with nuts, bolts and screws along with a hobby fuse that could be lit,” Tisch said.
She added that investigators were still working to determine whether the devices contained explosive material.
Mayor was not at home
Authorities said Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife were not at the residence at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported.
Security around the residence was increased following the incident, while investigators continued examining the devices.
Investigation continues
Police said several people were taken into custody as part of the investigation, and authorities are still working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Officials are also examining whether the devices represented a genuine threat or were imitation devices.
