Bomb Attack Attempt Outside Gracie Mansion During Protest Clash in New York

A frightening bomb attack attempt occurred outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, during clashes between two opposing protest groups on Saturday, according to local authorities.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said that during the confrontation, a protester threw a powerful homemade explosive device toward a police barricade. Authorities warned that the device had the potential to cause significant casualties, though fortunately no major damage or injuries were reported.

During a press conference on Sunday, police officials confirmed that the recovered device was not a simple smoke bomb or a fake. Investigators determined that it was an active explosive constructed with TATP (triacetone triperoxide), a highly volatile substance. The device also contained numerous nuts, bolts, screws, and metal fragments intended to increase its destructive capability.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that an 18-year-old protester threw the lit device toward officers guarding the barricade. Shortly afterward, he attempted to deploy a second explosive device. Police quickly intervened and arrested him along with a 19-year-old accomplice. Both suspects are residents of Pennsylvania.

According to investigative sources who spoke to CNN, the detained individuals admitted that they were inspired by the ideology of the international militant group ISIS.

At the time of the incident, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were not present at the residence. In a statement, the mayor condemned the incident as “hateful” and “deeply reprehensible.”

“Violence can never be a form of protest,” Mamdani said. “Attempting to harm others with explosives is not only criminal but also contrary to the values of our city.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she is closely monitoring the situation. “New York respects the right to peaceful protest, but we maintain zero tolerance for hatred or violence,” she stated.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD are jointly investigating the incident. Authorities also seized a suspicious vehicle near the mayor’s residence, where additional explosive materials were reportedly discovered.

As a precaution, residents of nearby buildings were temporarily evacuated, and the area remains under heavy police security.

So far, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, including the suspect who allegedly threw the explosive device and other protesters accused of disrupting traffic.