New York counterterrorism authorities launched an investigation on Saturday after a man threw ignited devices near far-right demonstrators protesting outside the official residence of the city’s mayor.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the devices contained nuts, bolts and screws along with a fuse. However, investigators have not yet determined whether they were functional improvised explosive devices or imitation devices meant to resemble them.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said on X that its Joint Terrorism Task Force is working with the New York City Police Department to investigate the incident.
Tisch said there was currently no evidence linking the event to the ongoing hostilities involving Iran.
Police arrested six people following unrest at the protest, including two individuals suspected of handling and throwing the devices.
The protest was led by far-right influencer Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Lang had gathered supporters to demonstrate against what he described as the “Islamification” of the city and to call for an end to public Muslim prayers.
According to police, about 20 people joined Lang’s demonstration, while approximately 125 counter-protesters gathered nearby.
During the incident, a man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and beige cargo pants received a taped device emitting smoke from another activist. He dropped it near a line of police officers before jumping over a barrier.
The same man later threw another similar device toward the group of protesters led by Lang.
Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Amir Balat. Tisch said witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke coming from the device as it flew through the air before striking a barrier a short distance from police officers.
She said Balat later received a second device from another man, lit it and ran with it before dropping it moments later. Police detained both men shortly afterward as officers maintained a heavy presence at the scene.
The bomb squad examined the devices and conducted X-ray scans. Tisch said preliminary findings suggested the objects were jars wrapped in black tape containing nuts, bolts and screws, along with a hobby fuse that could be ignited. Authorities are still working to determine whether the devices contained explosive material.
The protest also saw minor clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters.
Among those opposing the demonstration was 23-year-old teacher Mia Kurzer, who said she attended to show that intolerance has no place in the city.
She said New Yorkers had democratically elected a Muslim mayor and that the city’s diversity should be respected and celebrated.
Police said six people were arrested in total. The charges included the use of pepper spray by a protester in Lang’s group, the two men involved with the devices, and three others accused of disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.
Tisch added that she did not believe Mayor Mamdani was at home at the time of the protest.
Another counter-protester, Wally Khan, said Lang’s actions were consistent with previous controversial demonstrations he had organized in other cities.
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