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On Sunday, New York City leaders announced that two items retrieved during demonstrations near Gracie Mansion on the previous day were confirmed as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In a statement on X, the FBI New York disclosed, “The FBI and NYPD have identified the suspicious objects as improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Moreover, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) is set to conduct interviews, analyze video footage, gather evidence, and pursue all potential leads.”
Officials further revealed that a third “suspicious device” was discovered Sunday afternoon inside a vehicle in Manhattan, linked to the ongoing investigation.
Earlier that day, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch shared via X that the department’s Bomb Squad had assessed the first device, concluding it was neither a hoax nor a mere smoke bomb.
Tisch stated, “The NYPD Bomb Squad has carried out an initial examination of a device that was ignited during yesterday’s protest and determined it is not a hoax or a smoke bomb. It is indeed an improvised explosive device capable of causing significant harm or fatality.”
A man throws a hand-made explosive at supporters of U.S. President Trump during a rally to stop public Muslim prayer, in New York City, on March 7, 2026. (Eduardo Munoz/ Reuters)
At the time, Tisch said authorities were continuing to analyze a second device recovered at the scene.
Police arrested Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi on Saturday. Both remain in custody.
Three federal law enforcement sources told Fox News that the two suspects are believed to be U.S. citizens and that one suspect allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” before igniting and throwing an IED toward the protest area.
The NYPD is working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The incident unfolded during dueling demonstrations Saturday morning near East End Avenue and East 87th Street, just steps from Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The incident unfolded amid two dueling protests on March 7, 2026, near Gracie Mansion in New York City. (FNTV)
One rally was organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang to oppose public Muslim prayer. Counter-protesters also gathered at the scene.
Though police initially kept the groups separated, tensions escalated after pepper spray was deployed during a confrontation.
Approximately 30 minutes later, authorities say an 18-year-old counter-protester ignited and threw a device toward the protest area. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke before it extinguished itself near responding officers.
Police say the 18-year-old then retrieved a second device from a 19-year-old, lit it, and attempted to flee.
Both suspects – identified as Balat and Kayumi – were taken into custody.
Three additional arrests were made on charges including disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.
Bomb squad technicians on Saturday described the devices as jars wrapped in black tape, slightly smaller than a football.
X-rays revealed nuts, bolts and screws inside – materials commonly used as improvised shrapnel – along with a hobby fuse that could be lit.
Right-wing activist Jake Lang leads a rally to stop public Muslim prayer, in New York City, U.S., March 7, 2026. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
Mayor Zohran 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.”
He thanked NYPD officers for their response and said his administration is “closely monitoring the situation.”
The NYPD could not be immediately reached by Fox News Digital for comment.
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