Two men were taken into custody after explosive devices were ignited during opposing demonstrations outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s mayor.

According to the New York Police Department, tensions escalated Saturday when a small anti-Islam rally organized by right-wing influencer Jake Lang gathered outside the mansion while a much larger counterprotest formed nearby. Police said roughly 20 people attended Lang’s event, titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer,” while about 120–125 counterprotesters rallied across the street. Authorities said the situation intensified shortly after noon. One participant from Lang’s group allegedly sprayed pepper spray at a counterprotester and was arrested. Minutes later, police say an 18-year-old counterprotester lit and hurled a device toward the protest area.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said witnesses saw the device smoking as it flew through the air before landing near a barrier close to officers. “Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as it traveled through the air before it struck a barrier and extinguished itself a few feet from police officers,” she said. Investigators later recovered a second device. Both were described as jars wrapped in black tape containing nuts, bolts and screws and fitted with hobby fuses. Initially, officials were unsure whether the items were functional explosives.

Tisch said at the time, “We do not yet know whether the devices were functional improvised explosive devices or hoax devices, because we don’t yet know if there was energetic material contained in them;” however after further analysis, the NYPD bomb squad concluded one device was real. Tisch said it “has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb. It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death. Further analysis will be conducted, including on a second device.”

Both suspects, ages 18 and 19 and from Pennsylvania, were detained at the scene after police said one handed a device to the other, who then lit it. They were later taken into federal custody for questioning by the FBI and NYPD as part of a Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation. Authorities are also examining whether the men may have been influenced by ISIS, and searches of their homes and electronic devices are expected.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, was inside Gracie Mansion at the time. His office confirmed he and his wife were safe. Mamdani strongly criticized the protest that prompted the confrontation: “Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. 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. 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 also praised officers who responded to the threat: “I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe. Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day.” 

Police reported no injuries. In total, six people were arrested during the demonstrations, including three others accused of disorderly conduct and blocking traffic.  Meanwhile, ,the FBI confirmed its New York field office is assisting the investigation, stating: “During a rally earlier this afternoon, two suspicious items were recovered from the property of Gracie Mansion. The FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the New York City Police Department quickly responded and are actively investigating this matter.”

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