Two men have been charged after throwing a homemade explosive device in front of the New York City mayor's residence during an anti-Islam demonstration.
On the 9th of September, the FBI charged two young men, aged 18 and 19, for throwing a homemade explosive device in front of the New York City mayor's residence. This incident occurred amidst a gathering of around 20 individuals participating in an anti-Islam demonstration led by a right-wing influencer, criticizing Mayor Zoran Mamdouh, who is a Muslim. At the same time, a counter-demonstration took place, drawing about 125 counter-protesters. The situation escalated when participants from the initial demonstration used tear gas against those opposing their views.
The two charged individuals, who were part of the counter-demonstration, were apprehended after igniting and throwing the explosive device, albeit it did not detonate. The device contained screws and bolts and was found to have explosive substances. Mayor Mamdouh and his wife were reportedly not present during the event, which exacerbated tensions surrounding religious and political sentiments in the area.
Jessica Tisch, the New York City Police Commissioner, indicated during a press conference that the incident is being investigated as a terrorist act influenced by ISIS, noting that one of the suspects had made statements reflecting ISIS influence. Mayor Mamdouh firmly condemned the violence, asserting that it will not be tolerated in New York City and emphasizing the city's commitment to peaceful discourse.
