New York police say a device ignited during a protest outside the mayor’s official residence was an improvised explosive that could have caused serious harm. The incident happened Saturday during a demonstration near Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where a small anti-Islam protest and a larger counter-protest faced off.According to the New York Police Department, tensions escalated during the demonstration organised by conservative activist Jake Lang, which was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.” About 20 people attended the protest, while roughly 125 counter-protesters gathered nearby. Police had separated the groups with barriers before the situation turned chaotic.

Officials said the confrontation began when a person from the protest group used pepper spray on the counter-protesters.

Soon afterward, a counter-protester lit a small device and threw it toward the protest area. The object struck a barrier and landed a few feet from police officers before going out.Authorities said the same person then obtained another device from a second individual. He lit the second object but dropped it before it exploded. Police moved quickly and detained those involved. No injuries were reported in the incident.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later said the device was not a smoke bomb or a hoax. After a preliminary examination, the NYPD Bomb Squad confirmed that it was an improvised explosive device (IED) that could have caused serious injury or death. Investigators said the device appeared to be a jar wrapped in black tape and filled with nuts, bolts, and screws along with a fuse.Police arrested two men in connection with the devices. Authorities identified them as 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, both from Pennsylvania.

Several other people were also taken into custody during the protest for offences including the use of pepper spray, disorderly conduct, and obstructing traffic. In total, six arrests were made at the scene.The protest took place outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani. City officials said the mayor was not harmed during the incident.Mamdani condemned the violence and said using explosive devices during a protest is criminal and unacceptable.During the protest, Jake Lang was seen carrying a pig while taking part in an anti-Islam demonstration during Ramadan. Social media users said it was meant to provoke Muslims during the holy month.