FBI investigating possible terrorism after explosive device ignited near mayor's residence

Chaos broke out near Gracie Mansion when explosive devices were thrown during protests that were clashing with each other and the FBI is now investigating it as possible terrorism.

So far, 6 have been arrested in connection to the incident, Bloomberg reported.

Officials confirmed that one of the devices was a real homemade explosive that could cause serious damage. The police said the device had been lit and thrown towards a group of people who had gathered near the mayor’s home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Around 20 people showed up for the initial protest, while more than 100 people gathered nearby as counter-protesters. CBS reported that the demonstration was an anti-Islam protest organized by protesters linked to Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter.

According to investigators, an 18-year-old counter-protester reportedly lit and threw a smoking device toward the protest area and then tried to light another one that was given to him by another person.

Both of these people were taken into custody. In total, six people were arrested for being involved in the chaos, including others who were accused of using pepper spray or acting in an unruly way.

The devices were said to be homemade. They were made from containers covered in tape and filled with metal parts like nuts, bolts, and screws, along with a fuse. Police sources said the way the devices were made suggested they were meant to cause harm if they exploded.

At the time of the incident, Zohran Mamdani was inside Gracie Mansion with his wife and wasn’t hurt. The mayor’s office criticized the violence and thanked the officers for quickly stepping in to stop any injuries from happening.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the NYPD in looking into the incident as they continue to examine the devices and the events that happened during the protest.