Authorities in New York City have charged two men with terrorism-related offences after an explosive device was thrown near a protest outside the mayor’s official residence. Police say the suspects allegedly used a nail bomb during the weekend incident.
The protest took place outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Zohran Mamdani. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. However, investigators say the act is being treated as a serious terrorism case.
Officials say the suspects allegedly expressed support for the militant group Islamic State after their arrest. Both men are currently in police custody while the investigation continues.
Police Investigate Suspected ISIS-Inspired Attack
The two suspects have been identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi. Both are US citizens. According to investigators, they were involved in throwing explosive devices near a protest on Saturday.
Police said the device was packed with explosives and metal objects. It reportedly contained nuts, bolts, and screws designed to increase the damage caused by the blast.
Jessica Tisch, Commissioner of the New York Police Department, confirmed that authorities are treating the case as terrorism.
“This is being investigated as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism,” Tisch said in a statement. She also clarified that the case is not believed to be connected to tensions related to Iran.
Investigators said two suspicious devices were thrown near the protest area. Witnesses reported seeing smoke and flames coming from one of the objects.
Police quickly secured the area and began searching for additional threats.
Suspects Face Multiple Terrorism Charges
According to court documents, the suspects now face five serious criminal charges. These include attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction.
Authorities say Balat allegedly wrote a pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State group on a piece of paper after his arrest. Investigators claim the suspects also referenced ISIS during recorded statements given to police.
The charges highlight the severity of the case. US law treats attempts to support foreign terrorist groups as major federal crimes.
On Sunday, the NYPD bomb squad inspected a vehicle connected to the suspects. The car was found near the protest location.
Officials said another suspicious object was discovered inside the vehicle. However, tests later confirmed that the device did not contain explosives.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to examine evidence.
Protest Outside Mayor’s Residence Sparks Tension
The demonstration outside Gracie Mansion was organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang. The protest opposed public Muslim prayer and raised claims about what he called the “Islamification” of the city.
Around 20 supporters joined the protest outside the mayor’s residence. A larger counter-protest also gathered nearby, drawing roughly 125 people.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani was not at home during the incident. Police say security measures helped prevent the situation from escalating further.
Journalists at the scene reported seeing a man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt receive a taped device from another person. The object was reportedly smoking before it was thrown toward a police barrier.
Witnesses said the device produced visible flames and smoke while traveling through the air. It eventually struck a barrier just a few feet away from police officers.
Authorities say the quick response from officers helped prevent injuries. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage and witness statements as part of the case.
