Zohran Mamdani Breaks Silence After NYPD Confirms Bomb Used In NYC Terror Attempt
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke out Sunday, a full day after homemade explosive devices were thrown into a crowd during dueling protests near Gracie Mansion, following confirmation from the NYPD bomb squad that at least one of the devices was a lethal improvised explosive.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said investigators determined that the first device used during the incident was a real improvised explosive device capable of causing serious injury or death.
“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,” Tisch said. “It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”
Authorities said the second device is still being examined and additional testing will determine whether it also qualifies as a lethal explosive.
Police arrested two suspects at the scene, identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi. Both remain in custody as the investigation continues.
Tisch said the NYPD is working with federal authorities including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York through the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
“I want to again thank the brave members of the NYPD who ran toward the danger without hesitation and quickly apprehended the suspects,” Tisch said.
Mayor Mamdani issued a statement Sunday addressing the incident but also criticized the protest that had been organized outside his official residence.
“Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism,” Mamdani said. “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.”
Mamdani also condemned the use of explosives during the demonstration.
“What followed was even more disturbing,” the mayor said. “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.”
The mayor thanked police officers for responding quickly and preventing further harm.
“I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe,” Mamdani said. “Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day.”
Two separate protests were taking place outside Gracie Mansion when the incident occurred.
One demonstration, organized by January 6 defendant Jake Lang, was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer.” That protest drew fewer than two dozen participants.
A much larger counter protest titled “Run the Nazis out of New York City, Stand Against Hate” drew more than 100 people.
Despite police separating the two groups into designated protest areas, tensions escalated between participants. Earlier in the demonstration, one individual associated with Lang’s protest was arrested for using pepper spray against counter protesters.
The situation escalated further when the two suspects allegedly deployed the homemade explosive devices, prompting an immediate law enforcement response and a major security investigation that remains ongoing.