Homemade Explosive Devices Ignited Outside NYC Mayor's Residence

FBI launches terrorism investigation after devices exploded during anti-Islam protest

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Two people from Pennsylvania were arrested after homemade explosive devices ignited outside the New York City mayor's residence on Saturday. The devices, which contained explosive materials and fragmentation, were thrown during an anti-Islam protest organized by a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter. A federal terrorism investigation is now underway.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing threat of domestic terrorism and the potential for violence at politically charged demonstrations. It also raises concerns about the security of elected officials and the need for robust measures to protect them and the public.

The details

According to law enforcement sources, the devices consisted of sports drink bottles filled with explosive material, set inside glass jars and surrounded by fragmentation like nuts and bolts. The fuse was apparently connected to an M80-type firework. One of the devices extinguished itself after striking a barrier, while the other was dropped by the suspect after being lit. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken the lead on the investigation, and search warrants are expected to be executed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
  • The anti-Islam protest was organized by people associated with Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter and far-right influencer.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, whose residence was the target of the explosive devices.

Jake Lang

A pardoned Jan. 6 rioter and far-right influencer who organized the anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old from Pennsylvania who was arrested for allegedly throwing one of the ignited devices.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old from Pennsylvania who was arrested for allegedly providing one of the ignited devices to Balat.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who provided details about the incident and the devices.

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What they’re saying

“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 (CBS News)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is continuing its investigation, and search warrants are expected to be executed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing threat of domestic terrorism and the need for heightened security measures to protect elected officials and the public from such attacks, especially at politically charged demonstrations.