New York: an explosive device thrown near the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani during an anti-Islam demonstration

A homemade explosive device was launched Saturday near the official residence of the mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdaniduring clashes between anti-Islam demonstrators and counter-protesters. The mobilization was organized by the far-right influencer Jake Lang in front of Gracie Mansion, the residence of the mayor, the first Muslim to lead the city. New York police said a counter-protester lit and then threw a device containing nuts and bolts towards the opposing group. According to the police commissioner, Jessica Tischan initial analysis by the demining service confirms that it was indeed an improvised explosive device capable of causing serious injuries, even death.

Two men, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested on the spot and taken into police custody. The investigation continues with the support of the FBI as part of an anti-terrorism unit. Officers also identified another suspicious object in a vehicle parked nearby, leading to the partial evacuation of several buildings. In a press release, Zohran Mamdani denounced a demonstration “based on racism and hatred”, while strongly condemning the use of violence. Clashes between around twenty far-right demonstrators and more than a hundred counter-protesters led to several arrests, but no injuries were reported.