Tensions flared near the residence ofZohran Mamdanithe mayor of New York City, after an anti-Muslim protest outside his home spiralled into chaos. The confrontation broke out when a counter-protester opposing the rally titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” allegedly ignited and hurled a device toward the crowd of demonstrators.
The situation escalated shortly after someone from the protest group reportedly used pepper spray on counter-protesters. According to reports, the clash intensified moments later when the device was thrown in the direction of the demonstrators.
Authorities said six people were arrested on Sunday in connection with the incident. Jessica Tisch, commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), said two of those detained are suspected of possessing and igniting improvised explosive devices.
The confrontation unfolded late Saturday morning during the protest, which was linked to conservative influencer Jake Lang, according to reports. Witnesses said someone associated with the anti-Islam protest sprayed pepper spray toward the counter-protesting group.
Soon after, a counter-protester allegedly lit a device and threw it toward the demonstration. Tisch said the object—described as smaller than a football—hit a barrier before extinguishing itself just a few feet away from police officers. She added that the same individual then ran and appeared to receive another device but dropped it before it could be used.
Officials also noted that Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not believed to be at home during the incident.
Police said the objects appeared to be jars wrapped in black tape and packed with nuts, bolts and screws, along with a hobby fuse that could be lit. However, investigators are still trying to determine whether the devices were operational explosives or a hoax.
Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke before one of the objects struck a barrier and went out. The NYPD’s bomb squad was called to the scene, and the items were placed in a containment vessel and taken away for further examination.
A spokesperson for Mamdani, Joe Calvello, said the mayor has been briefed on the investigation, which is being carried out by the NYPD along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
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