Police Investigate Man Throwing ‘Ignited’ Devices Near Protest

NEW YORK (AFP) – In response to an incident that drew a mix of curiosity and alarm, New York City’s police force launched a comprehensive investigation following allegations of potential explosive devices being thrown during protests. The protest took place in front of the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim leader whose presence sparked far-right demonstrations against alleged “Islamification.”

Counterterror police had already conducted searches at the Gracie Mansion earlier that day when they recovered two suspicious items left by activists involved with the demonstration. A 18-year-old named Amir Balat was promptly detained after being seen handling and lighting one of these devices, which contained nuts, bolts, and a fuse—a discovery that raised questions about their functionality.

The NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the scene: “A man wearing dark attire threw a device wrapped in tape and billowing smoke near a line of police officers. Moments later, he dropped another similar device at the feet of protesters, where it was intercepted by a crash barrier.” Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke traveling through the air before colliding with an officer.

Balat was initially apprehended after dropping a second device from a fellow activist to him during this exchange. Authorities seized Balat and the accomplice in the act, leading to the deployment of bomb squads who conducted preliminary examinations on the devices found.

“We don’t yet know if these contained energetic material,” Tisch said, emphasizing that their investigation was ongoing. The NYPD confirmed they had arrested six individuals associated with both sides of the protest for various offenses including pepper-spray use and disorderly conduct.

Protestor Mia Kurzer, a 23-year-old teacher who opposed Lang’s rally against “public Muslim prayer,” expressed her support for Mayor Mamdani: “We democratically elected our mayor, and he is Muslim. That’s New York. We celebrate different cultures here.” Her sentiments were echoed by many present at the scene, with some observers expressing disapproval of far-right extremism.

The atmosphere during the incident was tense; there were some reports of scuffles between demonstrators and counterprotesters, leading to arrests under various charges. Amidst this confrontation, Mayor Mamdani’s residence went from a center of protest to a site of investigation, as law enforcement sought to quell any immediate threats posed by activists’ suspicious devices.

Despite the chaos, there was no indication that these events were linked to broader geopolitical tensions in Iran; Tisch made clear that her department focused on protecting its community from potential hazards. The incident underscored the need for heightened vigilance during contentious public gatherings and highlighted the continued relevance of robust security measures in urban environments where cultural diversity is celebrated.