NYC Device Attack at Protest Declared “ISIS-Inspired Terrorism,” NYPD Commissioner Says

New York City officials say a device thrown during a protest outside the mayor’s residence has now been classified as an act of terrorism, with investigators pointing to possible inspiration from the Islamic State.

The incident occurred Saturday afternoon near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s mayor, where conservative demonstrators had gathered. According to reporting from the New York Post, a counter-protester hurled a device toward the group during the demonstration. The object began to emit smoke, causing alarm among those present, though it ultimately did not explode.

Authorities quickly moved in and detained the individuals suspected of throwing the device.

On Monday, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that investigators now consider the incident a terrorism-related event, according to The New York Times.

Forensic analysis of one of the devices revealed the presence of TATP, a volatile chemical compound frequently used in improvised explosive devices by terrorist groups worldwide.

Tisch described the substance as “a dangerous and highly volatile homemade explosive used in IED attacks around the world.”

“This is ISIS-inspired terrorism,” Tisch said Monday in a vide posted to X.

“Preliminary test results determined that these were not hoax devices or smoke bombs.

“They were improved explosive devices that could have caused serious injury or death.”

City officials confirmed that Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not present at Gracie Mansion when the protest and subsequent attack occurred.

Police arrested two suspects following the incident: 19-year-old Ibraham Kayumi and 18-year-old Emir Balat, both from Pennsylvania, according to the New York Post.

Authorities believe the suspects may have traveled to New York with the intention of carrying out the attack.

“They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism,” Mamdani said Monday.

“There’s video of these two individuals throwing two devices towards the protest. The police department has determined that these were improvised explosive devices made to injure, maim, or worse.

“Let me say this plainly anyone who comes to New York City to bring violence to our streets will be held accountable in accordance with the law.”

Commissioner Tisch also praised the quick actions of NYPD officers who moved toward the threat while others fled the scene.

“I always speak about the police running towards the danger when everyone else runs away. Let me be clear, that happened today,” she said.

“Officers, many of whom are here with me, ran toward a man carrying a suspicious device, they put the safety of others and their sworn duty to protect and serve above their own personal safety, and I am grateful that there were no injuries associated with the incident.

“Today, as always, I thank our police for their noble service.”

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether the suspects had broader connections or acted independently.