The New York Police Department said officers arrested six people Saturday after protesters and counter-protesters clashed outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home, with some suspects setting off “suspicious devices” in the scrum.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Nikk, 19, were charged with lighting and throwing the devices that spewed smoke.
“The devices, which were a bit smaller than a football, appear to be a jar wrapped in black tape,” Ms. Tisch said Saturday afternoon in a press conference. “At this time, we do not yet know whether the devices were a functional improvised explosive devices or hoax devices.”
Authorities said conservative influencer Jake Lang initially organized a 20-person protest called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” around 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
In response, police said more than 120 people associated with the counterprotest “Run the Nazis out of New York City, Stand Against Hate” came out to challenge Mr. Lang’s demonstration.
The two groups confronted each other and police became involved shortly afterward. Officials said the two devices were ignited moments later and caused the crowds to scatter.
Police said another protester was arrested for using pepper spray, and three others handcuffed for disorderly conduct and obstructing traffic. Authorities said no one was harmed during the demonstrations.
A spokesperson for Mr. Mamdani said he and his wife were home during the protests.
“The ’Crusade Against Islamification’ gathering held outside Gracie Mansion today by Jake Lang, a vile White supremacist, was despicable and Islamophobic,” the spokesperson said Saturday in a statement. “Thankfully, the Mayor and the first lady are both safe, though the events are a stark reminder of the threats they both face regularly.”
