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A man threw flaming devices near far-right protesters demonstrating outside the mayor’s residence in New York City, prompting a police investigation. The NYPD described the objects as containing nuts, bolts, screws, and a fuse, but it remains uncertain whether they were live explosive devices or hoaxes. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is actively looking into the incident alongside local authorities.
There’s no evidence linking this event to the ongoing tensions in Iran, according to police officials. Authorities have arrested six individuals connected to the protest, including two suspects linked to the devices.
The protest, led by far-right influencer Jake Lang, opposed what he called the “Islamification” of the city and demanded an end to public Muslim prayers. The demonstration occurred at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim. Around 20 supporters gathered, countered by approximately 125 counterprotesters.
During the event, a man wearing a dark hoodie and beige cargo pants was handed a device wrapped in tape, which was emitting smoke. He discarded it near police officers and then threw a similar device at protesters. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke before the device struck a barrier just feet from officers. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Amir Balat, was seen lighting the device and then dropping it before fleeing the scene. Police detained him and another individual shortly afterward.
The bomb squad responded to the scene, analyzing the devices which measured slightly smaller than a football. Preliminary examinations indicated they were jars wrapped in black tape, loaded with nuts, bolts, screws, and a hobby fuse capable of ignition. It’s still unclear whether these contained explosive materials.
A counterprotester, Mia Kurzer, a 23-year-old teacher, expressed her stance that hate has no place in the city. She emphasized that New York is a diverse city that celebrates its many cultures. Kurzer also called Lang an “idiot” and suggested he underestimates the will of the people.
The police reported some scuffles between protesters and counterprotesters. Among those arrested was a protester from Lang’s group who used pepper spray against counterdemonstrators, as well as two men involved with handling and throwing the devices, and three others for disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic. Officials also noted that Mayor Mamdani was likely not at home during the incident.
Another protester opposing Lang, Wally Khan, criticized Lang’s history of disruptive actions, citing an incident where Lang attempted to burn a Quran in Dearborn, Michigan.
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