New York City’s police commissioner said Monday (March 9, 2026) that authorities are investigating whether men who brought improvised explosive devices to a protest outside New York City’s Mayoral residence were inspired by ISIS.
The devices, which did not explode, were hurled during raucous counterprotests on Saturday (March 7, 2026) near Gracie Mansion during a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” event led by the far-right activist Jake Lang. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the explosives could have caused serious injury or death.
Also read: New York police detain man for throwing ‘ignited’ devices near anti-Muslim protest
Two people are in custody for their alleged roles in the confrontation but they have not been charged, Ms. Tisch said during a news conference. Police are working with federal prosecutors and the FBI, which has assigned agents with the bureau’s Joint Terrorism Task Force to the investigation.
“I can confirm this morning that this is being investigated as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism,” Ms. Tisch said.
