New York Mayor's Residence Targeted in Explosive Device Attack Near Anti-Islam Demonstration

The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated on Sunday that preliminary analysis by the bomb disposal team showed that the device used in the incident was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) rather than a smoke bomb or a dummy device. Police described the device as a jar wrapped in tape and containing nuts, bolts, and screws.

The incident occurred on Saturday when two suspicious devices were thrown by a man identified as Emir Balat near a demonstration opposing congregational Muslim prayer. The demonstration, led by right-wing influencer Jake Lang, took place outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim.

An AFP correspondent at the scene reported that Balat was heard shouting “Allahu akbar” during the incident. Eyewitnesses also reported seeing fire and smoke as the device flew through the air before hitting a barrier several metres from a line of police officers.

Police subsequently arrested two men following the incident: Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi. According to preliminary investigations, Kayumi allegedly provided one of the devices that was later thrown by Balat before landing near police officers. Both men have been detained and their case is being investigated by anti-terrorism detectives.

The demonstration held by Lang outside Gracie Mansion was attended by approximately twenty people and protested what he referred to as the “Islamisation” of the city, calling for an end to congregational Muslim prayer in New York. The action prompted counter-protests attended by approximately 125 people.

Police stated there was no indication that Mayor Mamdani was at home during the incident, and the investigation is now being conducted jointly with the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Force.