A day of demonstrations outside the New York mayor’s residence concluded with scenes of tension on Saturday. The situation erupted when a participant threw an explosive device in the middle of the gathering. According to authorities, the device could cause serious injuries and even prove fatal. Additionally, the protests were marked by the presence of explosives.
The incident occurred during a demonstration held near Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence. According to police, two groups converged at the location. One was an anti-Islam protest organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang. Additionally, there was a counterprotest convened under the slogan “Get Nazis Out of New York.” In both groups, tension arose from the use of explosives.
According to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, the bomb squad analyzed the object. It determined it was an improvised explosive device. It was not a smoke bomb or a fake device. Furthermore, authorities indicated that the device contained homemade explosive material along with metal fragments such as nuts, screws, and bolts.
Tensions between the groups began shortly before noon. First, a participant used pepper spray against the counterprotesters. Minutes later, an 18-year-old ignited and threw a device. It landed on a nearby crosswalk, generating smoke and flames that caused protesters and officers to quickly move away from the area.
Subsequently, the same individual attempted to activate a second device he had received from another 19-year-old. Police managed to intervene and detain both suspects before the second device exploded. As if that were not enough, explosives were one of the main concerns throughout the day.
Mayor Mamdani condemned both the hate speech and the acts of violence recorded during the protest. Additionally, he stated that such actions “do not represent the city’s values.” Both he and his wife were unharmed. Finally, it is worth noting that the investigation primarily revolves around the use of explosives.
El caso está siendo investigado por la policía de Nueva York con apoyo del Federal Bureau of Investigation a través del Grupo de Trabajo Conjunto Antiterrorista. Hasta el momento no se han reportado heridos y las autoridades continúan analizando los dispositivos para determinar su composición exacta.
Zohran Mamdani gana las elecciones y será el nuevo alcalde de Nueva York
