Counterprotester Throws IED at Anti‑Islam Rally in Manhattan; Police Arrest Two
Key Takeaways
- Counterprotester threw an improvised explosive near Gracie Mansion, by Mamdani's residence
- Bomb squad confirmed the device was a viable improvised explosive, not a hoax
- Reports differ on arrests: some say two in custody; others report three Pennsylvania men
Explosive at NYC protest
A counterprotester threw an improvised explosive device during a far-right demonstration opposing a religious takeover outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Upper East Side residence.
“Counterprotester threw improvised explosive at anti-Islam event in NYC, police say Counterprotester threw improvised explosive at anti-Islam event in NYC, police say NEW YORK (AP) — A device thrown by a counterprotester at an anti-Islam demonstration in New York City on Saturday was confirmed to be an improvised explosive, according to a preliminary police analysis”
The NYPD bomb squad determined the device was a functioning IED that 'could have caused serious injury or death.'
Multiple outlets report the thrown object was a smoking jar or bottle filled with nuts, bolts and screws and fitted with a hobby/fireworks fuse.
One ignited device produced a cloud of smoke and extinguished near officers.
Authorities recovered at least two suspicious devices at the scene.
Arrests and name discrepancies
Police arrested two people in connection with the confrontation and said charges were pending.
Reports differ on the suspects' names.
Several outlets state simply that 'two people' are in custody and that the investigation involves federal prosecutors and the FBI.
Other outlets identify the arrestees with differing spellings, with two reports naming Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi (or Kayumi) and another naming Emir Balat and Irbahim Nikk, creating a discrepancy in the public record as reported so far.
Authorities continue to investigate and have not finalized public charging information in several accounts.
NYPD explosive device probe
Law enforcement described the NYPD Bomb Squad’s preliminary analysis as finding the devices were not hoaxes or smoke bombs and that one ignited device produced smoke near officers.
“Police discovered a new 'suspicious device' while investigating the detonation of an improvised explosive near an anti-Islam protest in New York, which led to the evacuation of nearby buildings, authorities said on Sunday”
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and federal prosecutors are participating in the probe.
Authorities also later discovered another suspicious device in a vehicle on East End Avenue, prompting street closures and removal, and executed court-authorized search activity connected to the investigation.
Separately, a person associated with the Lang protest was arrested and charged after allegedly macing counterprotesters.
Mayor Mamdani condemned the attempt to use an explosive as "reprehensible" and said he and the first lady were safe.
Protest clash in NYC
The clash occurred after a small far-right demonstration organized by Jake Lang — billed as “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” — met a larger group of counterprotesters.
Reports place Lang’s supporters at roughly 20 people and counterdemonstrators at about five times that number (roughly 125 in some accounts).
Coverage notes Lang’s history of prior charges related to violent incidents and mentions that he recently announced a U.S. Senate run in Florida.
Local reports also emphasize the event was explicitly anti-Muslim in its framing.
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