By Ibrahim Chowdhury Khokon
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday, March 9, that authorities are investigating whether individuals who threw improvised explosive devices during a protest outside the New York City mayor’s residence were inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
The incident occurred on Saturday during tense counterprotests near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor. The event titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” was organized by far-right activist Jake Lang. While the rally itself drew a
relatively small crowd, it attracted a much larger group of counter-demonstrators.
Commissioner Tisch said the devices did not explode, but they had the potential to cause serious injury or even death.
Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident, although no formal charges have been filed so far. Police are working with federal prosecutors, and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force have joined the investigation.
“ I can confirm this morning that this is being investigated as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism,” Tisch said during a news briefing.
According to police, one individual threw a smoking device into the crowd, containing nuts, bolts, screws, and a hobby fuse. The device extinguished itself near police officers before detonating. The same person then dropped a second device, which did not appear to ignite.
Authorities also discovered a suspicious device inside a vehicle near the scene. The New York Police Department said the object was found in a car parked on East End Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets. Several nearby streets were closed, and surrounding buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Around 7 p.m., police removed a Honda Civic from the area using a flatbed truck, after which the streets were reopened.
Commissioner Tisch also noted that investigators have not found any evidence linking the incident to Iran or the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Lang, who organized the rally, was previously charged in connection with the January 6 United States Capitol attack. He faced accusations, including assaulting a police officer with a baseball bat and participating in civil disorder. He was later released from prison as
part of a sweeping act of clemency by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Lang has recently announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate from Florida.
