Six People Arrested After Bomb Thrown at Mamdani’s Residence

Six individuals were taken into custody Saturday after two improvised explosive devices were thrown near Gracie Mansion in New York City during a tense demonstration that drew both protesters and counter-protesters, according to police.

The incident unfolded around 12:30 p.m. as opposing groups gathered in the area, including demonstrators protesting Islam and counter-protesters supporting Muslim causes. Witnesses reported that dozens of people quickly moved away from the area after smoke began rising from one of the devices, which appeared to have a lit fuse and was wrapped in duct tape.

Authorities confirmed that no explosion occurred and no injuries were reported. Officers responding to the scene also located a second device nearby.

According to the New York City Police Department, the items were glass jars wrapped with electrical tape and filled with bolts, screws, and nuts. Investigators also recovered hobby-style fuses that could potentially be ignited.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the officers who responded, noting that they rushed toward potential danger to secure the scene.

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

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

According to reporting from the New York Post, the NYPD is investigating the incident alongside the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Authorities say an 18-year-old counter-protester identified as Emir Balat allegedly lit and threw the first device into a crosswalk at East 87th Street and East End Avenue during the demonstration.

Police said the device struck a barrier and extinguished itself without detonating.

Investigators further allege that a second individual, tentatively identified as 19-year-old Ibrahim Nikk, handed the device to Balat prior to the incident.

Authorities also say Balat later ignited another improvised device before dropping it while running along East End Avenue between East 86th and East 87th streets.

Officials emphasized that no one was injured and pushed back on early speculation circulating online about the nature of the devices.

“We’re not tracking any injuries,” sources told The Post. Police also clarified that reports describing the device as a nail bomb were inaccurate.

“We’re not going to get into that yet,” a police spokesman told The Post when asked which group may have brought the devices.

One of the protest organizers, Jake Lang, later claimed he was the intended target of the attack.

“there was an assassination attempt on my life today by two Muslim men, they threw what appears to be a nail bomb — landing a few feet from me and my team. We will never surrender to radical Islam. Jesus is King.”

City officials strongly condemned the protest itself.

Mayor Mamdani’s press secretary, Joe Calvello, issued a statement late Saturday criticizing the gathering outside Gracie Mansion.

“The ‘Crusade Against Islamification’ gathering held outside Gracie Mansion today by Jake Lang, a vile white supremacist, was despicable and Islamophobic.

“Thankfully, the Mayor and the First Lady are both safe, though the events are a stark reminder of the threats they both face regularly,” he said. “The Mayor has spoken with Police Commissioner Tisch, and the NYPD is actively investigating the protest, counter-protest, and suspicious devices discovered outside Gracie Mansion.”

The incident unfolded amid broader political tensions surrounding the mayor’s office.

Mayor Mamdani also addressed separate controversy on Friday regarding his wife’s social media activity following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel.

During a press conference, Mamdani said his wife’s private views should not be connected to his leadership of New York City. Questions had surfaced after reports that his wife, Rama Duwaji, had liked several Instagram posts expressing support for the Palestinian cause shortly after the Hamas-led attack.

According to Israeli authorities, roughly 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 attack and 251 individuals were taken hostage.

The investigation into Saturday’s explosive devices remains ongoing.