'Reprehensible': Mayor Zohran Mamdani Speaks Out After 'Disturbing' Incident Near His New York City Home

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the 7 March clash that escalated when a protester threw an ignited device near Gracie Mansion.

Authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the ignition of an explosive that was thrown 'toward the protest area' just outside Gracie Mansion, according to People. In the aftermath, Mamdani took to X to call out the 7 March protest as both 'disturbing' and 'responsible.'

Per the news outlet, the incident happened amidst an anti-Islam protest organised by Jake Lang, a right-wing influencer. Dubbed as 'Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,' the event also drew crowds of counter-protesters.

'Ignited Device' Thrown Amid Protests

Authorities reported that during a clash between the two groups, someone from Lang's camp used pepper spray to assault counter-protesters. Someone from the latter group allegedly 'lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area,' approximately 20 minutes later.

The ignited device landed on a sidewalk outside of Gracie Mansion, Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji's official New York residence. Neither was at home at the time of the incident.

Mamdani Addresses 'Disturbing' Incident

'White supremacist Jake Lang organised a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism,' Mamdani wrote on X. '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,' he added, referring to the ignited explosive device. '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.'

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the explosive device was real, and not a decoy. 'The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb,' she said.

'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.'

Two People Arrested, More 'Suspicious' Items Discovered

Authorities have also arrested two persons, Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, in connection with the incident. Both said they were inspired to commit the act after watching ISIS videos online, sources told People.

According to the outlet, an FBI spokesperson confirmed they also retrieved 'two suspicious items' from the property of Gracie Mansion. 'While there is not a threat to public safety, the FBI and the NYPD remain vigilant,' the spokesperson added.

'I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe,' Mamdani stated in his X post. 'Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day.'

NYPD also reported finding 'a suspicious device in a vehicle on East End Avenue between 81st Street and 82nd Street.' It has since been safely removed, pending further investigation.