The bombs hurled during violent protests near Gracie Mansion on Saturday were real, highly volatile explosive devices, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Sunday.
“The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb,” Tisch wrote on X.
“It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”
A left-wing activist was detained by police after throwing an explosive device during a protest outside Gracie Mansion Saturday. AFP via Getty Images
The explosive was thrown toward the police and was determined to be a potentially deadly IED, the NYPD said Sunday. AFP via Getty ImagesShe said that two pro-Muslim demonstrators, identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested in the incident, with federal authorities now working with the NYPD.
Bolts, nuts, and screws can be seen inside one of the homemade explosive devices. Obtained by the NY Post
An upclose image of one of the explosives. Obtained by the NY PostLaw enforcement sources told The Post the exact explosive contained in the device had not been positively identified pending further testing at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Va.
The devices were hurled into the crowd when a group of counter protesters mobbed a planned anti-Muslim demonstration organized by right-wing agitator Jake Lang.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani denounced “white supremacist” Lang in a statement Sunday, and said “hate has no place in New York City” — but fell short of mentioning that the alleged bomb-hurlers were part of the counter protest.
Here’s the latest on the bombs thrown outside Gracie Mansion
- 911 calls made from suspected wannabe terrorist’s Pa. home after botched NYC bombing
- CNN anchor apologizes for inaccurately reporting ISIS-inspired bomb throwers were targeting Mamdani
- NYC terror suspect allegedly seen purchasing fireworks fuse days before hurling explosives near Gracie Mansion
- Hero NYPD chief who went viral after chasing down Gracie Mansion bomb suspects speaks out
“What followed was even more disturbing,” the mayor said. “Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”
Meanwhile, sources said cops returned to the scene and closed off East 81st and 82nd streets at East End Avenue as part of the investigation into the incident.
