Image: from BRICS News X @BRICSinfo
NEW YORK — An improvised explosive device capable of causing “serious injury or death” was thrown toward protesters outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on Saturday night.
The NYPD Bomb Squad confirmed on Sunday that the object was a functional explosive, dismissing earlier speculation that it may have been a hoax or a smoke bomb. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that a second device is currently being analyzed as part of an ongoing investigation involving the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
🇺🇸 Bombs Thrown at NYC Protest Outside Gracie Mansion
2 explosive devices were thrown at a protest outside the mayor’s residence in NY.
NYPD later confirmed they were real explosive devices. pic.twitter.com/oEf3cG0UI0
— OSINT Expert (@OsintExperts) March 8, 2026
The incident occurred during a demonstration that Mayor Mamdani characterized as being rooted in “bigotry and racism.” According to the Mayor, the protest was organized by Jake Lang, a figure associated with white supremacist groups.
BREAKING: Assassination attempt reported targeting Zohran Mamdani — Mayor of New York City.
NYPD says two suspects were identified after a bomb attempt outside Gracie Mansion.
Video shows one suspect handing a device to another before arrest — police say the jar was wrapped in… pic.twitter.com/xa84V3wYPi
— Inside the conflict (@Muhamma22474285) March 8, 2026
Reports say NYPD has identified two suspects, 18-year-old Amir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Nick, after improvised devices were thrown during a protest outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor.pic.twitter.com/X4fyQQgkyt
— WarMonitor (@TheWarMonitor) March 8, 2026
“Violence at a protest is never acceptable,” Mamdani said in a statement released Sunday. “The use of an explosive device is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are as New Yorkers.”
Two men were apprehended at the scene and remain in police custody. While no injuries were reported, the presence of a lethal device at a political demonstration has sparked fresh concerns over domestic extremism and the safety of public officials.
The NYPD has significantly increased security around Gracie Mansion and other sensitive sites across the city following the attempt. Authorities are urging anyone with video footage or information regarding the incident to come forward.