Two individuals were arrested after igniting suspicious devices during protests outside Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor’s residence. This incident occurred during an anti-Islam demonstration organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang, which coincided with a counterprotest.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the devices were described as small jars wrapped in black tape, containing nuts, bolts, and screws. Although bomb squad officials examined them, it was not clear if they were functional explosives or merely hoaxes. As a precaution, both devices were sent for further analysis.
Initial reports indicate that the protest led by Lang, demanding the end of public Muslim prayers in New York, had about 20 attendees, while the counterdemonstrators, who opposed hate speech and actions, numbered around 125. Tensions escalated around noon when one protester from Lang’s group used pepper spray on counterprotesters.
Around 12:30 p.m., an 18-year-old from the counterprotest threw an ignited device into the air, which created flames and smoke before it landed near police officers. He quickly retrieved a second device from a companion and ignited it before dropping it elsewhere.
The NYPD captured the incident on surveillance cameras. Although no immediate connection to ongoing events in Iran was found, the investigation is ongoing. In total, six people were arrested that day, including two for handling the devices and others for disorderly conduct.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, was reportedly not home during the event. His spokesperson condemned the protest as “despicable and Islamophobic,” especially during Ramadan.
Lang, previously pardoned for charges related to the January 6 Capitol attack, has organized several contentious rallies recently, including anti-immigration protests. His provocative actions have sparked significant debate on social media, with reactions ranging from outrage to support.
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