Protests09 March, 20263 min read
Counterprotester Throws Functioning IED at Anti-Islam Protest Outside Zohran Mamdani Home
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Counterprotester threw a functioning improvised explosive device at an anti-Islam protest Authorities arrested multiple suspects; FBI searched a Bucks County home
IEDs at Mayor Mamdani's residence
A far‑right "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" demonstration took place outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Upper East Side/Manhattan residence. A counterprotester threw an object that the NYPD Bomb Squad confirmed was an improvised explosive device (IED) capable of causing serious injury or death. The NYPD Bomb Squad confirmed that two devices thrown toward Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence during Saturday’s Upper East Side protests were viable improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
“The NYPD Bomb Squad confirmed that two devices thrown toward New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence during Saturday’s Upper East Side protests were viable improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”
Police said preliminary analysis showed the devices were not hoaxes or smoke bombs and "could have caused serious injury or death." One ignited device produced a cloud of smoke, while a second suspicious device did not appear to ignite.
Device description and deployment
Reporters and police said the thrown object contained nuts, bolts and screws and was fitted with a "hobby fuse". Video reportedly showed a man shouting "Allahu Akbar" before throwing a jar wrapped in tape containing such materials.
The NYPD bomb squad described the smoking object as containing nuts, bolts, screws and a "hobby fuse" and judged it capable of causing serious injury or death. One person reportedly tossed a smoking object containing nuts, bolts, screws and a "hobby fuse" that went out steps from officers.
Arrests and suspicious devices
Police took two people into custody as the investigation expanded. One outlet named the suspects as Emir Balat, 18, and Irbahim Nikk, 19, both from Pennsylvania. Authorities said federal prosecutors and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force are involved and that charges are pending.
“Two suspects have been identified as Emir Balat, 18, and Irbahim Nikk, 19, both from Pennsylvania.”
Police said a second suspicious device was dropped and did not appear to ignite. Officers later identified another suspicious device in a vehicle on East End Avenue, prompting street closures and removal of the vehicle.
Far-right rally clash
The incident unfolded during a broadly contested demonstration, in which a far-right event led by Jake Lang drew a small number of participants while a much larger counterprotest turned out.
Jake Lang led an anti-Islam protest called "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City," joined by roughly 20 people, while a larger counter-protest called "Run the Nazis out of New York City’s Stand Against Hate Group" drew about five times as many participants.
The sparsely attended Lang event drew a much larger group of counter-demonstrators, and Lang has a prior record of charges related to violent incidents and recently announced a U.S. Senate run in Florida.
Separately, a person associated with the protest was arrested and charged after allegedly spraying mace at counterdemonstrators.
Mayor Mamdani condemned the attempt to use an explosive device.
Gracie Mansion protest incident
Mayor Zohran Mamdani — who was inside Gracie Mansion at the time — condemned the protest as bigoted and said he and the first lady were safe. Police kept parts of the neighborhood closed as investigators and bomb technicians worked through Sunday, and charges remained pending.
“Mayor Mamdani, who was inside Gracie Mansion at the time, condemned the protest as bigoted and said he and the first lady are safe.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said two people are in custody, charges are pending, and police continued investigating Sunday, including a second suspicious device found nearby. Police said a second suspicious device was dropped and did not appear to ignite, and later identified another suspicious device in a vehicle on East End Avenue, prompting street closures and vehicle removal.