Device thrown near NYC mayor's residence was explosive, police confirm

New York City law enforcement officials revealed Sunday that a device hurled during a Saturday protest outside Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence, was a functional improvised explosive device rather than a hoax item or smoke bomb. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that the NYPD Bomb Squad had analyzed the device and determined it posed a genuine threat to life and safety.

Second device under analysis, two in custody

Commissioner Tisch stated that a second device recovered from the scene is currently undergoing analysis by bomb technicians. Two men were apprehended at the protest location and remain in police custody as the investigation progresses. The NYPD is coordinating with federal authorities, including the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, indicating the seriousness with which officials are treating the incident.

Mayor condemns violence and hate

Mayor Zohran Mamdani characterized the protest as organized by "white supremacist Jake Lang" and rooted in "bigotry and racism," declaring that "such hate has no place in New York City." Referring to the explosive device thrown during the demonstration, Mamdani stated "What followed was even more disturbing" and emphasized that "violence at a protest is never acceptable." The mayor labeled the use of an explosive device as "reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are," while expressing gratitude to police officers for their swift response to the dangerous situation.

Joint counterterrorism investigation launched

The involvement of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force underscores federal concerns about the incident's nature and potential broader implications. The coordinated investigation between local and federal authorities will examine not only the devices themselves but also the circumstances surrounding the protest and any connections to extremist elements. As New York City remains on alert following the incident, officials have emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety while preserving the right to peaceful protest, drawing a clear line against violence and the use of explosive devices.