Improvised Explosive Device Thrown During Protests Near Gracie Mansion, Two Arrested
New York City – An improvised explosive device (IED) was thrown during clashes between anti-Muslim protesters and counter-protesters near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Two men have been taken into federal custody in connection with the incident, and authorities are investigating it as a potential act of terrorism.
Details of the Incident
The protest, organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang under the banner “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer,” drew approximately 20 demonstrators. A counter-protest, significantly larger with around 125 participants, quickly formed, leading to escalating tensions.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, one protester from Lang’s group deployed pepper spray against counter-protesters, resulting in one arrest. Shortly after, at approximately 12:30 p.m., an 18-year-old counter-protester ignited and threw a device toward the protest area. NBC New York reports that the device was smaller than a football, constructed as a jar wrapped in black tape containing nuts, bolts, screws, and a hobby fuse.
Arrests and Investigation
Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, the two men arrested at the scene, are currently in federal custody, being interviewed by federal agents and the NYPD. City & State NY reports that the NYPD’s bomb squad has determined at least one of the devices was an IED capable of causing serious injury or death.
Law enforcement officials have traveled to Pennsylvania to speak with relatives and contacts of the suspects, and searches of their homes and electronic devices are planned. NYPD’s bomb squad is also searching a vehicle believed to be connected to the suspects as a precaution for additional explosives.
Mayor Mamdani’s Response
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was inside Gracie Mansion during the incident, expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their swift response. He condemned the protest organized by Jake Lang as rooted in bigotry and denounced the attempted use of an explosive device as “reprehensible.”
Additional Arrests
In total, six people were arrested during the protests: two for the devices, one for deploying pepper spray, and three for disorderly conduct.
Background on Jake Lang
Jake Lang, the organizer of the anti-Muslim protest, is a right-wing activist and pardoned January 6th protester. He has organized other provocative demonstrations, including a pro-ICE protest in Minneapolis. The New York Times notes that Lang brought a cooked pig to the protest, a deliberate provocation given Islamic dietary restrictions.