NYPD Investigates Suspicious Device Near Gracie Mansion After Recent Attack
The New York Police Department (NYPD) swiftly responded to a report of a suspicious device near Gracie Mansion on Tuesday afternoon, just days after two individuals threw homemade explosives during protests outside the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Authorities have labelled the previous incident as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism, heightening concerns over public safety in the area.
Traffic and Park Closures Implemented
In response to the alert, the NYPD issued an advisory on social media platform X, announcing immediate closures. East End Avenue between East 85th and East 87th Street, as well as East 86th Street between York Avenue and East End Avenue, were shut down to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Additionally, Carl Schurz Park was closed as a precautionary measure while investigations were underway.
It remains unclear at this stage whether this latest suspicious device is directly connected to the protests that occurred on Saturday. However, the timing has raised significant alarms among law enforcement officials and local residents alike.
FBI Confirms Explosive Residue in Pennsylvania Storage Unit
In a separate but related development, the FBI confirmed on Tuesday that a storage unit in Pennsylvania, believed to be associated with Saturday's attack at Gracie Mansion, contained traces of explosive residue. The FBI's New York field office detailed in a social media post that Special Agent Bomb Technicians and local bomb squads conducted a controlled detonation to ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel and others in the vicinity.
The post also highlighted collaboration between the FBI Philadelphia field office and various local agencies, underscoring the multi-jurisdictional effort to address potential threats. This discovery adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, suggesting possible premeditation and planning behind the attacks.
Teenagers Charged with Terrorism Offenses
On Monday, two teenagers, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, were charged with multiple offenses, including terrorism and using a weapon of mass destruction. According to a 10-page criminal complaint filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York, Balat allegedly threw improvised explosive devices at protesters after receiving them from Kayumi.
The complaint states that both individuals declared allegiance to the Islamic State terror group, commonly referred to as ISIS. The incident unfolded during a Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City demonstration, organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang, which attracted about 20 participants and dozens of counter-protesters.
Balat and Kayumi have been identified as counter-protesters. Fortunately, neither of the devices exploded, and the NYPD bomb squad successfully rendered them safe. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed reporters on Monday, confirming that the investigation is treating the event as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism.
International Travel and Mayoral Response
During a press conference, Commissioner Tisch revealed that investigators are aware of recent international travel by Balat and Kayumi, though she declined to provide further details. Mayor Zohran Mamdani asserted that both men had traveled from Pennsylvania with the intent to bring violence to New York City.
Mamdani praised the swift and decisive actions of two police officers, which led to the prompt arrest of the suspects and the safe removal of the explosive devices. He emphasized, New York City will never tolerate violence, whether from protests or counter-protests, reinforcing the city's commitment to maintaining public order and safety.
The combination of these events has sparked heightened security measures and ongoing investigations, as authorities work to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in New York City.
