Zohran Mamdani Security Scare: 'Suspicious' Devices Found During Jan 6 Rioter Jake Lang's Anti-Islam Protest

A scary and tense scene unfolded outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, on Saturday after two suspicious devices were discovered. The discovery happened during a demonstration led by far-right influencer Jake Lang.

No injuries or property damage were reported. But police took two people into custody as they launched a full investigation into the objects, one of which emitted smoke, prompting the NYPD bomb squad to intervene.

According to The Independent, the incident coincided with a larger clash between Lang's supporters and counterprotesters, resulting in six arrests. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes, with at least four people struck during scuffles and at least one individual pepper-sprayed.

Police helped Lang, a pardoned January 6 rioter, exit the area after he controversially walked a goat through the crowd.

The Two 'Suspicious' Devices

Authorities were alerted around midday to the presence of two potentially hazardous devices. According to the NYPD, both were found on public property near Gracie Mansion while officers were already present for a scheduled demonstration.

A department spokesperson confirmed that 'no injuries or property damage have been reported at this time.' However, smoke was observed coming from one device, heightening concern and prompting a bomb squad response.

Photos from the scene show a round object wrapped in metallic tape, adding to fears that the devices could have posed serious danger.

The mayor and his family's presence at the residence during the incident has not been confirmed. But the discovery of the devices sparked immediate security measures around the mansion and heightened vigilance in the surrounding area.

Jake Lang's Protest Turns Violent

The demonstration itself was part of a pattern of provocative events led by Jake Lang, who has repeatedly attracted counterprotests and confrontations with law enforcement.

During Saturday's rally, Lang's group clashed with counterprotesters, trading blows in several instances. Eyewitnesses said that at least four people were physically struck during skirmishes with six total arrests at the event, including charges for disorderly conduct and pepper-spray use.

Jake Lang is a far‑right activist and conservative influencer who became widely known for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. He was among those indicted on multiple charges. He spent around four years in prison for assaulting police officers before being pardoned by President Donald Trump as part of a clemency covering many January 6 defendants.

Since his pardon, Lang has remained active on the right‑wing political scene.

His rallies—such as a pro‑ICE march in Minneapolis and the recent 'Stop the Islamic takeover of New York City' protest outside Gracie Mansion—have drawn small numbers of supporters but larger counter‑protests, sometimes leading to violent clashes and arrests.

Lang has also faced additional charges, including for vandalising a 'PROSECUTE ICE' ice sculpture at the Minnesota State Capitol and threatening a police officer at a January 6 anniversary event.

He is running for the US Senate in Florida in the 2026 Republican primary and continues to organise provocative demonstrations, often centred on anti‑immigration and anti‑Islam themes.

Mayor's Office Responds

The Independent's report also shared that a spokesperson for Mamdani, Joe Calvello, issued a statement condemning the anti‑Islam protest. At the same time, he reassured the public that the mayor and his wife were safe.

Calvello called the demonstration organised by Jake Lang 'despicable and Islamophobic,' and said the episode was a reminder of the ongoing threats the mayor and his family face because of such events.

Police confirmed both Mamdani and First Lady Rama Duwaji were safe during the incident.

Calvello also noted that the mayor was in contact with NYPD leadership throughout the day as police continued to investigate the devices and clashes between protesters and counterprotesters. Law‑enforcement officials said the suspected devices were being analysed to determine whether they were functional explosive devices, hoaxes, or smoke-producing objects