NEW YORK, New York — Authorities are investigating an incident involving improvised explosive devices thrown during protests near New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence as possible ISIS-inspired terrorism. Police said the devices were tossed Saturday during confrontations outside Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where an anti-Islam protest organized by far-right activist Jake Lang drew a larger group of counterdemonstrators.
The New York Police Department bomb squad determined that at least one device was a crude improvised explosive containing nuts, bolts, screws, and a hobby-style fuse. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the device extinguished itself before detonating but could have caused serious injuries.
Two men from Pennsylvania are in custody and are being questioned by investigators. Tisch said authorities believe the suspects traveled to New York intending to bring violence and may have referenced ISIS material. However, officials said there is currently no evidence linking the incident to Iran or the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Federal authorities, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are assisting with the investigation. Streets around Gracie Mansion were temporarily closed and nearby buildings evacuated after police located an additional suspicious device in a vehicle parked near the protest site.
Officials say forensic testing and searches of the suspects’ homes and electronic devices are underway as investigators continue determining potential extremist influence and whether additional charges will be filed.
Sources
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