Counterprotester Threw Improvised Explosive at Anti-Islam Event in NYC, Police Say

Two people were taken into custody for their alleged roles in the confrontation outside the Manhattan residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A device thrown by a counterprotester at an anti-Islam demonstration in New York City on Saturday was confirmed to be an improvised explosive, according to a preliminary police analysis. As the investigation continued on Sunday, police said they were looking into a second suspicious device found in the same area of Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Why it matters

The use of an explosive device at a protest raises serious concerns about public safety and the potential for escalating violence at political demonstrations. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between far-right groups and counterprotesters in New York City and the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining order.

The details

According to police, the improvised explosive device was thrown by a counterprotester during a 'Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City' event led by the far-right activist Jake Lang outside the Manhattan residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The device extinguished itself steps from police officers, but the same person who threw it then received a second device from another counterprotester, which was dropped and did not appear to ignite.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Police identified a suspicious device in a vehicle on East End Avenue between 81st Street and 82nd Street on Sunday, March 9, 2026, as part of the ongoing investigation.

The players

Jake Lang

A far-right activist who organized the 'Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City' event.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, whose Manhattan residence was the site of the protest.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner.

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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 (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the two counterprotesters taken into custody to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between far-right groups and counterprotesters in New York City and the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining order at political demonstrations. The use of an explosive device raises serious concerns about public safety and the potential for escalating violence at these events.