NYC Mayor Speaks Out After Explosive Device Ignited at Anti-Islam Protest Near His Home

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the March 7 incident involving the improvised explosive device outside Gracie Mansion.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the March 7 incident involving an improvised explosive device being deployed outside of Gracie Mansion, where he lives with his wife Rama Duwaji, during an anti-Islam protest organized by right-wing influencer Jake Lang. Mamdani called the use of violence "disturbing" and "reprehensible". Two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, have been arrested and are in police custody in connection with the incident.

Why it matters

The attack on the mayor's residence during an anti-Islam protest highlights growing concerns about extremism and political violence in New York City. As a Muslim mayor, Mamdani has faced bigotry and racism, and this incident raises questions about security and the ability of public officials to safely live in their homes.

The details

According to police, an improvised explosive device was ignited at the anti-Islam protest organized by Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter, outside of Gracie Mansion on March 7. The NYPD Bomb Squad determined the device was real and not a hoax. Two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were quickly apprehended by police at the scene. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.

  • The incident occurred on March 7, 2026 during an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion.
  • Mayor Mamdani addressed the "disturbing" and "reprehensible" incident in a statement on March 8, 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The Muslim mayor of New York City who lives at Gracie Mansion with his wife Rama Duwaji.

Jake Lang

A right-wing influencer who organized the "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" protest outside Gracie Mansion.

Emir Balat

An 18-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the explosive device incident.

Ibrahim Kayumi

A 19-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the explosive device incident.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner who confirmed the device was a real explosive.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. 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 (Instagram)

“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)

“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, New York City Police Commissioner (People.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the two suspects, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing threat of political violence and extremism targeting public officials, especially those from marginalized communities. It underscores the need for heightened security measures and a renewed commitment to combating hate and intolerance in New York City.