NYC Mayor Criticized for Response to Attempted Bombing at Anti-Muslim Protest

Mayor Mamdani condemned 'white supremacy' before addressing the gravity of the attack by suspected ISIS sympathizers.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two suspected ISIS sympathizers allegedly threw homemade bombs into a group of police and anti-Muslim protesters outside Gracie Mansion in New York City on Saturday. While the improvised explosive devices malfunctioned before causing serious injury or death, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the bombs were not hoaxes but could have caused 'serious injury or death.' However, Mayor Zohran Mamdani initially condemned 'white supremacy' before acknowledging that 'violence at a protest is never acceptable', drawing criticism for his response.

Why it matters

The mayor's initial response to the attempted bombing, which focused on condemning the 'white supremacist' protest rather than the gravity of the attack, has raised concerns about his priorities and whether he is properly addressing the threat of Islamist extremism in the city.

The details

According to reports, two suspected ISIS sympathizers threw homemade bombs, packed with an explosive known as 'Mother of Satan' and shrapnel, into a group of police and anti-Muslim protesters outside Gracie Mansion. While the devices malfunctioned before causing serious harm, NYPD Commissioner Tisch stated that they were not hoaxes and could have resulted in 'serious injury or death.' Mayor Mamdani, however, initially condemned the 'white supremacist' protest and the 'bigotry and racism' it represented, before briefly acknowledging that 'violence at a protest is never acceptable'.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who faced criticism for his initial response to the attempted bombing.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the attack and the nature of the improvised explosive devices.

ISIS sympathizers

The two suspected individuals who allegedly threw the homemade bombs at the anti-Muslim protest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (nypost.com)

“It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner (nypost.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the attempted bombing is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspects. The mayor's response has also sparked calls for him to more forcefully condemn the threat of Islamist extremism in the city.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance that city leaders must strike in addressing both extremist threats and concerns about civil liberties and community relations. The mayor's initial response has raised questions about his priorities and whether he is fully grasping the gravity of the situation.