‘Suspicious’ Devices Found at NYC Mayor Mamdani’s Home (Video)

A tense protest outside New York City’s mayoral residence erupted into chaos Saturday morning after police discovered suspicious homemade devices near the property, prompting arrests and a rapid response from bomb technicians.

The incident unfolded outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, where demonstrators had gathered for a controversial rally organized by conservative activist Jake Lang. Authorities say two individuals are now in custody after what investigators described as potentially dangerous improvised devices were discovered at the scene.

Police say the devices were found around 11:40 a.m. near East End Avenue and East 88th Street, just steps from the mayor’s residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Officers had already been monitoring the area due to the planned demonstration when they were alerted to the suspicious objects.

According to law enforcement officials, the devices appeared to be jars wrapped in black tape and packed with metal hardware including nuts, bolts and screws. Each container also contained a hobby-style fuse. Authorities are still investigating whether the devices were capable of detonating or if they were simply hoaxes designed to frighten demonstrators.

“No injuries or property damage have been reported at this time,” the New York Police Department said in a statement. “Two persons of interest were taken into custody and the investigation remains ongoing.”

The discovery immediately escalated tensions at the rally, which had already drawn both supporters and counter-protesters. Smoke was seen rising near the protest area, and images circulating online appeared to show one of the devices lying on the pavement as officers secured the scene.

Police say six people were arrested during the confrontation. Two individuals were detained in connection with the suspicious devices. Another arrest involved a protester accused of using pepper spray on a counter-demonstrator during the heated exchange.

Officials say the entire incident was captured on the NYPD’s Argus surveillance camera system, which is now being reviewed as part of the investigation.

The protest itself was organized by Lang, a conservative online personality who has become known for staging provocative demonstrations around the country. Lang had promoted the gathering outside the mayor’s residence in advance and had publicly threatened to burn a Quran during the rally. The controversial act ultimately did not occur.

Lang previously faced federal charges related to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol but was later pardoned. In recent months he has organized several high-profile protests centered on immigration and religion.

City officials quickly condemned the escalation.

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine said authorities believe the individuals connected to the devices were part of a counter-protest group rather than Lang’s supporters. He said the devices were immediately seized and transported by the NYPD bomb squad for further analysis.

The incident also carries broader political and symbolic weight. Mamdani, who made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, has faced intense scrutiny and criticism from some activists since taking office. Saturday’s protest occurred during Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting and prayer observed by Muslims worldwide.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Mamdani or his wife, Rama Duwaji, were inside Gracie Mansion when the devices were discovered.

City alerts warned residents to expect traffic disruptions and an increased police presence in the surrounding neighborhood throughout the day.

Investigators are now examining the recovered devices to determine whether they contained explosive material and whether additional suspects may be involved.

Police say the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine exactly what happened — and whether the explosive scare was meant as a real threat or a dramatic attempt to inflame an already volatile political protest.