NYC Mayor Mamdani seemingly Blames Targeted Protesters After NYPD Confirms Bomb in Terror Attempt
In a statement, Mamdani described the event organized by January 6 defendant Jake Lang as a "white supremacist" protest "rooted in bigotry and racism," calling such hate an "affront to our city’s values."
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani broke his silence Sunday on Saturday's protest clash outside Gracie Mansion, condemning the violence while appearing to blame the targeted protesters, after the NYPD confirmed one thrown device was a lethal improvised explosive device (IED).
In a statement, Mamdani described the event organized by January 6 defendant Jake Lang as a "white supremacist" protest "rooted in bigotry and racism," calling such hate an "affront to our city’s values." He added, "What followed was even more disturbing. Violence 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." Mamdani thanked NYPD officers for their quick response but did not directly address the victims or suspects, framing the incident as escalating from Lang's rally.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the first device was an IED capable of serious injury or death, with the second under analysis. The clash involved two groups: Lang's "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer" rally with fewer than 24 participants, and a larger "Run the Nazis out of New York City, Stand Against Hate" counter-protest with over 100. Protesters shouting "Allahu Akbar" threw the devices into the crowd, targeting Lang's group.
Suspects Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were arrested at the scene. One arrest from Lang's side involved pepper spray use. The NYPD is collaborating with federal authorities, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Critics note Mamdani's remarks seemed to fault the victims' protest as the root cause, despite the attack originating from the counter-group. The incident highlights tensions in NYC protests amid broader security concerns.