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The NYPD has sealed off a prestigious Manhattan block near the mayor’s home as they delve into an ongoing investigation of a suspected terror plot involving improvised explosive devices similar to those used by ISIS.
According to two sources within the NYPD, this heightened activity stems from the investigation of two devices found during opposing protests outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday.
“Please avoid the area of East End Avenue between 81st Street and 82nd Street in Manhattan due to ongoing police activity,” the NYPD announced on X on Sunday.
The NYPD is urging people to steer clear of East End Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets in Manhattan because of ongoing police operations. (Fox News)
Earlier on Sunday, city officials confirmed that one of the devices was an improvised explosive device (IED) capable of inflicting “serious injury or death.” Authorities are still examining a second device found at the location.
Three federal law enforcement sources told Fox News that one suspect allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before throwing the IED into the crowd.
Police arrested Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi at the scene.
The devices thrown near Gracie Mansion were allegedly charged with TATP (triacetone triperoxide), retired NYPD inspector Fox News contributor Paul Mauro told Fox News Digital, citing multiple sources.
According to two NYPD sources, the activity is connected to the investigation into two devices that were recovered during dueling protests outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday. (Peter Gerber)
“[TATP] is a favorite of real terrorists, and not something two street-level knuckleheads would likely produce,” Mauro said. “This was no M-80 wrapped in nails and tape. It’s very hard to detect, very powerful, and extremely unstable.”
The NYPD Bomb Squad X-rayed the devices and rendered them safe. They are now being transported to Quantico for further analysis, Mauro said.Â
He also noted that a vehicle registered to a relative of one of the suspects was located in the Upper East Side area.
The incident unfolded Saturday morning near East End Avenue and East 87th Street, steps from Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
A man throws a handmade explosive at supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally to stop public Muslim prayer, in New York City, U.S., March 7, 2026. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
Mamdani condemned both the protest and the violence in a statement posted Sunday.
“Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are,” Mamdani wrote. “What followed was even more disturbing. 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.”
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