Explosive Device Thrown Near NYC Mayor's Home, Sparking FBI Terrorism Probe

Two Pennsylvania teens arrested in connection with the incident during dueling protests in Manhattan

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A man hurled an improvised explosive device amid dueling protests outside New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Manhattan residence on Saturday, prompting an investigation by federal terrorism authorities and the discovery of an additional device in a nearby car the next day. While the device thrown Saturday did not explode, police said it was capable of causing 'serious injury or death.' Law enforcement sources told CNN the two men arrested in connection with the device admitted to being inspired by ISIS.

Why it matters

The incident highlights growing concerns about extremism and the use of explosive devices at public gatherings, especially in the context of politically-charged protests. As the city's first Muslim mayor, Mamdani's residence was the target, raising questions about potential bias motivations behind the attack.

The details

According to police, a right-wing protester associated with the group organized by influencer Jake Lang pepper-sprayed counterprotesters, leading to further escalation. A counterprotester then threw an ignited device toward the protest area, which landed on a crosswalk but did not explode. The man then retrieved a second device from another man before lighting it and starting to run, dropping it on the street where it emitted smoke but also did not explode. The two men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested and the devices were found to contain bolts, screws, and a hobby fuse, with preliminary analysis indicating the thrown device was made with TATP, a powerful explosive.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 9, 2026 around 12:15 p.m.
  • On Sunday, March 10, 2026, the NYPD was investigating a suspicious device in a vehicle a few blocks south of Gracie Mansion 'in connection with' the previous day's incident.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who is the city's first Muslim mayor.

Jake Lang

A right-wing influencer who organized the anti-Islam protest that drew around 20 participants.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who provided details on the incident.

The 18-year-old and 19-year-old men

The two Pennsylvania teenagers arrested in connection with the explosive devices.

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What they’re saying

“Violence at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the two arrested teenagers out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing threat of extremism and the use of explosive devices at public gatherings, particularly when politically-charged protests collide. It raises concerns about public safety, the potential for bias-motivated attacks, and the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement and community leaders.