Tensions erupted outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence after explosive devices were ignited during dueling protests near Gracie Mansion, prompting a federal terrorism investigation and multiple arrests.
Authorities say two young men from Pennsylvania were taken into custody following the incident, which unfolded Saturday evening amid clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters.
What Happened Outside Gracie Mansion?
According to police officials, an anti-Islam protest had been organized near Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. At the same time, more than 100 counter-protesters gathered under the banner “Run the Nazis Out of New York City / Stand Against Hate.”
During the confrontation, 18-year-old Emir Balat allegedly lit and threw an explosive device toward a group of protesters. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke trailing through the air before the device struck a barrier and extinguished itself just feet away from police officers.
In widely circulated footage from the scene, a man can be heard shouting “Allahu Akbar” as the device is thrown. It remains unclear who made the remark.
Police say Balat then retrieved a second device from 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi. The suspect allegedly lit the second device before dropping it along East End Avenue between East 86th and East 87th streets.
Device Identified as Improvised Explosive
Officials later determined that at least one of the objects was not a hoax or smoke bomb, but an improvised explosive device (IED) capable of causing serious injury or death.
Investigators described the device as slightly smaller than a football — reportedly a taped jar filled with nuts, bolts and screws and equipped with a hobby fuse.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken the lead in the investigation, launching a federal terrorism probe following the incident.
Additional Suspicious Device Discovered
On Sunday, another suspicious device was found inside a vehicle roughly three blocks south of Gracie Mansion. The discovery led to temporary evacuations of nearby buildings as the NYPD Bomb Squad assessed and removed the item.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the newly discovered device is directly linked to the earlier incident.
Heavy FBI Presence in Pennsylvania
A day after the explosive devices were ignited, a significant law enforcement presence was reported outside Balat’s residence in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Officers in tactical gear were seen surrounding the property as the FBI conducted what it described as “court-authorized law enforcement activity.”
At one point, agents used a megaphone instructing occupants to exit the home. Three individuals were seen leaving the residence. Local police departments confirmed they were assisting federal authorities in the operation.
Additional Arrests and Charges
Separate from the explosive device investigation, 21-year-old Ian McGinnis of Philadelphia was charged in connection with the protest clashes. He faces charges including assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a noxious material after allegedly deploying pepper spray on counter-protesters.
Three additional individuals were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.
Investigation Ongoing
As of now, Balat and Kayumi have been arrested but not formally charged in connection with the explosive devices. Federal authorities continue to investigate the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism.
The events have intensified concerns over escalating political tensions and the growing risk of violence at public demonstrations. Officials say additional security measures are under review as the investigation progresses.
