Not a Hoax Device or a Smoke Bomb

The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb. It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or…

— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) March 8, 2026

… death.

Further analysis will be conducted, including on a second device.

Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were arrested on scene yesterday and are in custody in connection with this matter. The NYPD is working on this investigation with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the FBI through our Joint Terrorism Task Force.

I want to again thank the brave members of the NYPD who ran towards the danger without hesitation and quickly apprehended the suspects.


Hans Mahncke

We’ve seen it all now. What any honest person would call an IED, the New York Times calls “smoking jars of metal and fuses.”

Sorry sir, they were “smoking jars of metal and fuses.” pic.twitter.com/uyTUfnaOtR

— Mark Ashworth (@marklarflash) March 8, 2026

Yesterday, white supremacist Jake Lang organized a protest outside Gracie Mansion rooted in bigotry and racism. Such hate has no place in New York City. It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are.

What followed was even more disturbing. Violence…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 8, 2026

… at a protest is never acceptable. The attempt to use an explosive device and hurt others is not only criminal, it is reprehensible and the antithesis of who we are.

I want to thank the brave men and women of the NYPD who acted quickly to keep New Yorkers safe. Our officers ran toward danger without hesitation, demonstrating once again the courage and dedication it takes to protect this city every single day.

My administration is closely monitoring the situation and I remain in close contact with our Police Commissioner.


Mike Davis

You took a day to put out a statement.

You started by attacking the victims, including using their race and their alleged motivation.

You omitted the bomb-throwing terrorists were Middle Eastern Muslims who yelled “Allahu Akbar!”

You’re attacking peaceful protesters who, with police officers, reporters, and others, almost got mass-murdered by your wife and your fellow Islamists.

Resign.


Laura Loomer

So Mamdani calls Jake Lang a White Supremacist but he won’t describe who threw the bomb at Jake:

A Muslim jihadist Mamdami supporter.

White people founded our country, Mamdani, & Muslims like you have never been a part of America’s founding.

Go back to Uganda!

But you’re okay with Islamist terrorists throwing IEDs?

What the hell is wrong with you? https://t.co/pWsghe0Cjt

— 🇺🇸 Mike Davis 🇺🇸 (@mrddmia) March 8, 2026

Dozens Could’ve Died’: NYPD Officers Push Back on Media Coverage of Gracie Mansion Attack :Exclusive

I spoke with multiple law enforcement sources who were at Gracie Mansion during yesterday’s attempted terrorist attack. Officers described a chaotic and terrifying scene, saying… pic.twitter.com/HcJyxDhzLQ

— Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) March 8, 2026

… they feared they might not make it home. Some tried to push protesters out of harm’s way, but not everyone complied.

Several sources also expressed frustration with the media coverage, saying it downplays the severity of what happened. Dozens could have been injured or killed, they stressed, yet some outlets are spinning it as minor or routine.

NYPD sources additionally complained about journalists and photographers at the scene. They said they tried to push media personnel back for safety, but some ignored instructions.

Officers told me they’re growing exhausted and frustrated by the job, especially when facing such life-threatening situations. One officer mentioned he was fortunate to make it home safely to his family.