Suspicious Devices Ignited at Anti-Islam Protest in New York

Two people arrested after devices containing nuts, bolts and screws were set off during rally outside mayor's residence

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The New York Police Department said two people were arrested in connection with a pair of "suspicious devices" ignited during an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The devices, which appeared to be jars wrapped in black tape containing nuts, bolts and screws with hobby fuses, were allegedly ignited by counterprotesters at the rally organized by right-wing influencer Jake Lang.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between right-wing groups and counterprotesters in New York City, as well as concerns about the potential for violence at politically charged demonstrations. Mayor Mamdani, who is New York's first Muslim mayor, was inside Gracie Mansion at the time of the protests.

The details

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the devices did not yet know if they were functional improvised explosive devices or hoax devices, as the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and NYPD continue to investigate. An 18-year-old man was detained for allegedly throwing the devices, and a 19-year-old man who handed one of the devices to the first suspect was also arrested. No charges have yet been filed. In addition, a protester from Lang's group was arrested for allegedly discharging pepper spray at counterprotesters, and three others were arrested on charges involving disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.

  • The incident occurred on March 8, 2026 during an anti-Islam protest organized by right-wing influencer Jake Lang.

The players

Jessica Tisch

The New York Police Commissioner.

Jake Lang

A right-wing influencer who organized the "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer" rally.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who is the city's first Muslim mayor and was inside Gracie Mansion during the protests.

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What they’re saying

“We do not yet know whether the devices were functional improvised explosive devices or hoax devices, because we don't yet know if there was energetic material contained in them.”

— Jessica Tisch, Police Commissioner (NBC News)

What’s next

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD are continuing to actively investigate the incident to determine if the devices were functional explosives or hoaxes.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and potential for violence at politically charged demonstrations in New York City, particularly those targeting minority groups and their elected leaders. It highlights the need for law enforcement vigilance and de-escalation tactics to prevent such events from spiraling out of control.