A counter-protester threw a homemade bomb packed with bolts outside NYC’s mayor’s home, and police say it nearly killed someone

New York City police have confirmed that a homemade explosive device packed with bolts and screws was thrown during a protest outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home last weekend. The device did not explode, but officials say it could have caused serious injury or death. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the device was a jar filled with nuts, bolts, and screws, wrapped in black tape and fitted with a fuse. It was thrown at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence, on Saturday. The device extinguished itself before it could go off.

According to CBC News, Commissioner Tisch identified 18-year-old Emir Balat as the counter-protester who lit and threw the device. It rolled close to police officers before it fizzled out. Balat then reportedly ran, lighting and dropping a second device in the street. That second device is still being examined by authorities.

The protest turned dangerous as two opposing groups clashed outside the mayor’s residence

Far-right activist Jake Lang led a group of about 20 people outside Gracie Mansion. They were protesting against what they called an “Islamic takeover” of New York City and against public prayer by Muslims. They were met by a much larger counter-protest of around 125 people, who were there to oppose them and, as Commissioner Tisch described it, “run Nazis out of New York.” 

It was during this counter-protest that Balat allegedly threw the explosive. Police arrested Balat at the scene. Another man, Ibrahim Kayumi, was also taken into custody. The NYPD is working with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice on the ongoing investigation. Mamdani has been a controversial figure in recent weeks, and his stance against ICE operations in New York City has drawn significant attention

Mayor Mamdani was not home at the time of the incident. He condemned Lang’s initial protest, but said the violence that followed was even more disturbing. “Violence at a protest is never acceptable,” he said. He added, “The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”

Commissioner Tisch confirmed that there was no immediate indication the incident was connected to the U.S. attack on Iran. The investigation remains active. Mamdani has also been in the spotlight after it was revealed that Trump gave the NYC mayor his private contact line for an unusual reason.