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 toThe 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.
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.
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.
Source: International Business Times UK
