Explosive Devices Found at NYC Protest Near Gracie Mansion

Officials confirm two recovered devices were improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City officials confirmed that two devices recovered during protests near Gracie Mansion were improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The FBI and NYPD are investigating the incident, which occurred during dueling demonstrations in the area. Two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested in connection with the incident.

Why it matters

The discovery of IEDs at a public protest raises serious concerns about public safety and the potential for violence at political demonstrations. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining order and protecting citizens' rights to free speech and assembly.

The details

According to officials, the first device was ignited and deployed at the protest, but determined to be an IED and not a hoax device or smoke bomb. A second device was also recovered and analyzed. A third suspicious device was later found in a vehicle in Manhattan. The two suspects, Balat and Kayumi, were arrested on the scene. Three additional arrests were made on charges including disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 8, 2026 during dueling demonstrations near Gracie Mansion.
  • The first device was ignited and deployed around 30 minutes after police initially kept the groups separated.
  • The second device was retrieved by an 18-year-old counter-protester who then attempted to flee.

The players

Emir Balat

One of two suspects arrested in connection with the incident.

Ibrahim Kayumi

One of two suspects arrested in connection with the incident.

Jessica Tisch

NYPD Commissioner who confirmed the devices were IEDs.

Zohran Mamdani

Mayor of New York City who condemned the violence and hate at the protest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb. It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner (X)

“Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city's values and the unity that defines who we are. What followed was even more disturbing. 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 (X)

What’s next

The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will be conducting interviews, reviewing videos, collecting evidence, and chasing down all leads related to the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns about the potential for violence at political demonstrations and the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public safety. It underscores the need for vigilance and effective security measures to protect citizens' rights to free speech and assembly while also safeguarding against the use of explosive devices and other acts of terrorism.