Explosive Devices Thrown Near NYC Mayor’s Residence; FBI Launches Terrorism Investigation

Two explosive devices containing fragmentation materials were thrown near New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s official residence, Gracie Mansion, during a protest on Saturday, prompting a federal terrorism investigation. The FBI confirmed that both devices were improvised explosive devices (IEDs) capable of causing serious injury or death. The incident occurred during a demonstration organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang, where an anti-Islam protest and a large group of counter-protesters had gathered outside the mayor’s residence.

According to authorities, two young men from Pennsylvania, identified as 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, allegedly brought homemade bombs to the protest with the intention of causing harm. Police said one device was ignited and thrown but extinguished after hitting a barrier near officers. Balat allegedly attempted to use a second device before dropping it while fleeing. The bombs were reportedly made using sports drink bottles placed inside glass jars filled with explosive materials and surrounded by nuts and bolts for fragmentation. Investigators believe the devices contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly volatile explosive.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken over the investigation, and search warrants are expected to be executed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Authorities are also examining whether the suspects were influenced by ISIS extremist messaging. Mayor Mamdani condemned the incident, calling the protest outside Gracie Mansion “rooted in bigotry and racism” and stressing that the use of explosive devices against others is both criminal and completely against the values of New York City.

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