Six arrested after ‘homemade nail bombs’ launched at home of NYC mayor


Six people were arrested Saturday after homemade explosive devices were thrown near the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The devices contained nuts, bolts, screws and a fuse, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Authorities said it was not immediately clear whether the devices were functional bombs or hoax imitations.

There was no indication the incident was related to the ongoing hostilities in Iran.

Far-right influencer Jake Lang was leading a protest outside Gracie Mansion, Mamdani’s official residence, when the incident happened.

Lang was denouncing what he called the ‘Islamification’ of the city and demanding an end to public Muslim prayer in New York.

His protest drew around 20 people, while about 125 counter protesters gathered nearby.

Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji were not believed to be at home at the time. No injuries were reported.

It was not immediately clear whether if the homemade explosives were truly functional bombs or hoax imitations

It was not immediately clear whether if the homemade explosives were truly functional bombs or hoax imitations

A man flees after throwing an apparent incendiary device during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang outside the official residence of the New York mayor, which drew significant counterprotest

A man flees after throwing an apparent incendiary device during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang outside the official residence of the New York mayor, which drew significant counterprotest

Far-right influencer Jake Lang was demonstrating against alleged 'Islamification' and calling for an end to 'public Muslim prayer' in New York

Far-right influencer Jake Lang was demonstrating against alleged ‘Islamification’ and calling for an end to ‘public Muslim prayer’ in New York

Tensions between the two groups escalated around 12.15pm after a seemingly peaceful start to the day. 

An individual from the Lang’s protest allegedly used pepper spray against the liberal counter protesters and was arrested, police said.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the suspect was later arrested.

About fifteen minutes later, Emir Balat, 18, allegedly lit and dropped an explosive near a line of police.

Balat then allegedly secured a second device from Ibrahim Nikk, 19. He dropped that on the west side of East End Avenue between East 86th and 87th streets.

‘Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as it travelled through the air before it struck a barrier a few feet from police officers,’ Tisch said. 

Both teenagers were taken into custody, and the incident was captured by surveillance cameras.

The explosives were described as being smaller than a football. 

A left-wing activist is detained by police after throwing a homemade explosive device towards police during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang

A left-wing activist is detained by police after throwing a homemade explosive device towards police during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang

Far-right influencer Jake Lang holds a goat on a leash during a protest to ask for a 'stop of public Muslim prayer' in New York

Far-right influencer Jake Lang holds a goat on a leash during a protest to ask for a ‘stop of public Muslim prayer’ in New York

There was no indication that the incident near Mamdani's residence was related to the ongoing tensions in Iran and the Middle East

There was no indication that the incident near Mamdani’s residence was related to the ongoing tensions in Iran and the Middle East

Charges against Balat and Nikk had not been determined as of Saturday night. 

Ian McGinnis, 21, was also arrested as part of the bedlam near Gracie Mansion.

McGinnis pepper sprayed the counter protesters, according to The New York Times. He was expected to be charged with reckless endangerment. 

Three others, who have not been identified, were arrested because of disorderly conduct and traffic obstruction.

Lang’s protest was called ‘Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer.’ 

The counter protest was titled ‘Run the Nazis out of New York City, Stand Against Hate.’

Saturday’s demonstrations happened during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Mamdani is the city’s first Muslim mayor.

Lang's protest was called 'Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer'

Lang’s protest was called ‘Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer’ 

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the full incident was captured by surveillance video cameras

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the full incident was captured by surveillance video cameras

Tensions between both groups of demostrators escalated around 12.15pm before complete chaos ensued

Tensions between both groups of demostrators escalated around 12.15pm before complete chaos ensued

‘Thankfully, the Mayor and the First Lady are both safe, though the events are a stark reminder of the threats they both face regularly,’ spokesperson Joe Calvello said, according to NBC News.

Calvello added that Lang’s protest was ‘despicable and Islamophobic,’ and that Mamdani had already spoken with Tisch. 

Lang is one of the more than 1,500 Capitol riot defendants who was pardoned by President Donald Trump last year after taking office. 

He later described the January 6, 2021, rioters as an ‘organized unit of patriots trying to take on tyrants.’ 

This is a breaking news story. More to come… 



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