Two TATP Bombs Thrown During Protest Outside Gracie Mansion

March 7 2026 MANHATTAN, New York – A tense confrontation outside New York City’s mayoral residence escalated Saturday when two suspects ignited and threw a device described by police as an improvised explosive with TATP, during dueling demonstrations on the Upper East Side.

The incident unfolded near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during a rally organized by activist Jake Lang under the banner “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.” The gathering drew roughly 20 participants, according to police, and was met by a much larger group of counter-demonstrators.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the object — wrapped in tape and packed with nuts, bolts, and screws with a hobby fuse — struck a barrier and went out a short distance from officers at the scene

Investigators said the same individual then received a second device from another person, but it was dropped before it could ignite

The two suspects identified in connection with the explosive devices are: Emir Balat, 18 and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19.

Both are from Pennsylvania and were arrested after police say improvised explosive devices were ignited and thrown during clashes outside Gracie Mansion during the protest