Authorities arrested six people connected to unrest during an anti-Muslim protest outside the residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Two of the individuals arrested were accused of handling and igniting improvised explosives. https://t.co/4ylBJyXSAo
— Bloomberg (@business) March 8, 2026
MORE: Press briefing from NYPD Commissioner Tisch. The incident took place during a protest outside Gracie Mansion (the residence of NYC Mayor Mamdani). https://t.co/TGacVGplZ7
— Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) March 7, 2026
NEW YORK — Two men are in custody after police said they tried to ignite suspicious homemade devices during dueling protests Friday near the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim leader. The incidents occurred as far-right influencer Jake Lang led an anti-Islam rally of about 20 people near Gracie Mansion, facing a counterprotest of up to 125 people.
A counterprotester, Emir Balat, 18, lit and threw an ignited device toward Lang’s group around 12:38 p.m., striking a barrier and extinguishing feet from police, Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Balat then retrieved a second device from Ibrahim Nikk, 19, before both were arrested. The devices were jars wrapped in tape, filled with nuts and bolts with hobby fuses.
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