USA08 March, 20262 min read
NYPD Says Emir Balat Threw IED Near Mayor Mamdani’s Home; Authorities Arrest Bucks County Teens
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An improvised explosive device was thrown and ignited near Mamdani's residence during an anti-Muslim protest NYPD Bomb Squad said the device could have caused serious injury or death
IED at Gracie Mansion protest
Two Bucks County teenagers were arrested on March 7 after an improvised explosive device was ignited and thrown during a clash outside the mayoral residence in New York City. Sources say the incident occurred near Gracie Mansion amid a small anti‑Muslim demonstration and a much larger counter‑protest.
“Two Bucks County teens were arrested March 7 after an improvised explosive device was ignited during a clash between an anti‑Islam rally and counterprotesters outside Gracie Mansion in New York City.”
Authorities reported roughly 20 rally participants and about 125 counterprotesters were present. Authorities described the thrown device as an IED and confirmed arrests at the scene.
Explosive device incident
Police identified the two suspects as Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19. Police said Balat lit and threw a device before attempting to obtain a second one from Kayumi, and both were detained. Law enforcement described the devices as jars wrapped in black tape, packed with nuts, bolts and screws, and fitted with hobby fuses.
The Bomb Squad's preliminary analysis found the items were not a hoax. Officials said the items were capable of causing serious injury or death.
Investigation into explosive device
Federal and local authorities have opened a broad investigation.
“A preliminary bomb‑squad analysis confirmed the device was an IED.”
The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are involved.
A bomb-squad preliminary analysis confirmed the device was an IED rather than a hoax.
Officials said the episode prompted a terrorism probe and a court-authorized search.
At least six people were arrested in the wider disturbance.
Charges in the case were reported as pending.
Organizer identity and controversies
The incident occurred during a protest organized by a far-right influencer whose name appears inconsistently across outlets: some reports identify the organizer as Jake Lang while another calls him Jerry Lang. One outlet says the leader has framed the demonstrations as opposing the 'Islamification' of New York City. The same outlet reports he was arrested over the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, was later pardoned, and that city officials have labeled him a 'white supremacist'.
Response to explosive devices
Authorities said there were no reported injuries or property damage from the devices. Local officials sought to reassure the community, and a school district confirmed an arrestee is a student but said there was no known threat to schools. City leaders condemned the use of violence at protests, and a mayoral statement called the attempt to use an explosive device 'reprehensible.'
“New York police say a device ignited and thrown during unrest outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence was an improvised explosive device capable of causing 'serious injury or death,' NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.”