New York City police are probing an incident involving two homemade explosive devices that were thrown outside Gracie Mansion during protests. The incident is being classified as "ISIS-inspired terrorism" by the police, emphasizing the potential dangers posed by these devices, which did not detonate. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the explosives could have caused serious harm or fatalities if they had exploded, highlighting the severity of the event.

The devices were thrown amidst violent clashes between two opposing groups, one of which consisted of far-right demonstrators led by activist Jake Lang. The situation escalated into a confrontation, resulting in the deployment of law enforcement to manage the unrest. As part of the investigation, two suspects have been arrested; Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi are believed to have traveled from Pennsylvania to participate in the demonstrations, inciting further concern about interstate coordination among extremist groups.

Mayor Mamdani condemned the actions and reiterated the threats posed by terrorism in the context of growing tensions around protests, particularly those with extremist motivations. The incident has prompted discussions about public safety measures, the responsibilities of protest organizers, and the ongoing challenges of addressing radicalization in the community. Officials are likely to enhance security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future, as the investigation unfolds.