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A device that was ignited and thrown during protests outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Brooklyn residence over the weekend has been identified by New York City Police as an explosive capable of causing serious injury or death. The item, a jar filled with nuts, bolts, and screws wrapped in black tape with a fuse, was hurled by a counterprotester on Saturday near Gracie Mansion but self-extinguished before detonation. Two individuals are currently in custody, police confirmed.
The protests involved two opposing groups and included the throwing of two devices, which are under investigation. The first was thrown during a rally led by far-right supporter Jake Lang, who demonstrated against what he claimed was an Islamic “takeover” of New York City and against Muslim public prayer. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that Mamdani and his wife were not home at the time.
Lang’s demonstration drew about 20 supporters, countered by approximately 125 counterprotesters determined to remove “Nazis” from the city. During these events, Emir Balat, 18, was among those protesting and was seen lighting and tossing a device. It rolled near police officers before extinguishing itself; Balat then fled and ignited a second device, which he discarded in the street. Both Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were apprehended on the scene.
Tisch noted that the police are collaborating with the FBI and the Department of Justice on the case. While initial investigations do not suggest a link to recent U.S. military actions against Iran, authorities continue to probe all aspects of the incident.
Mayor Mamdani issued a statement condemning Lang’s demonstration but expressed greater concern over the violence that ensued, emphasizing that violence at protests is unacceptable and that using explosive devices to harm others is both criminal and reprehensible.
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