An anti-Islam protest in New York ended with six people arrested after the launch of an improvised explosive
porEditorial Team
Argentina
A pro-Islam terrorist threw a homemade explosive that failed to detonate at a group of people peacefully protesting in front of the mayor's residence.
A protest critical of Islam held on Saturday in front of the New York City mayor's residence (Gracie Mansion) ended with six people arrested after a counter-protester threw an improvised explosive device that failed to detonate, authorities confirmed.
The demonstration had been organized by conservative activist Jake Lang, who called together an important group of supporters to denounce the Islamization of the West and express criticism of Islam and certain policies related to immigration and religion. Several people took part in the protest, which took place in front of the official residence of the city's mayor.
The call generated a disastrous response from anti-demonstrators, who came in greater numbers after calls spread on social networks. According to police estimates, around 125 people participated in the opposing protest. To avoid direct confrontations, the police separated both groups into designated areas, although tension was evident throughout the
day.
The event had a particular symbolic charge when it was held in front of the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city's first Muslim mayor, and in the middle of the Muslim month of Ramadan. While some city officials harshly criticized the demonstration organized by Lang, the participants defended their right to protest and express their opinions in public space
. The demonstration against Islam was called by conservative activist Jake Lang
The situation began to deteriorate shortly before noon, when the first incidents between the two groups were recorded. According to the police, an individual linked to the counter-demonstrators used pepper spray against participants in the protest organized by Lang, increasing tension in the area.
Minutes later, the most serious incident occurred. At approximately 12:35 p.m., a terrorist counter-protester ignited and threw an object into the area where demonstrators and police officers were located. At first it was not clear if it was a real device or an object without explosive capacity
.
However, preliminary analysis carried out by the New York Police Department's bomb squad later determined that the device was an improvised explosive device capable of causing “serious injury or death.” The confirmation was released by NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch
. The commissioner of the New York Police Department stated that the device had the capacity to cause serious injury or death.
According to authorities, the device consisted of a glass jar wrapped in tape containing screws, nuts and bolts, as well as a fuse that could be ignited. Witnesses said they saw smoke and flames when the object was thrown through the air before hitting a barrier at a nearby crosswalk. The device went extinct soon after without detonating.
During the incident, the suspect ran south and took a second device from another person before turning it on while trying to flee. The object was left on the street and later secured by police officers who established a security perimeter in the
area.
Videos released on social networks show the moment when the object was thrown and how demonstrators and police quickly leave the place. The images also show NYPD agents pursuing and reducing the suspect while other officers secured the
area. Two self-radicalized Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists threw an explosive device with nuts and nails inside
The bomb squad confiscated both devices for analysis and subsequent destruction in a specialized facility. Authorities indicated that the second device is still being examined as part of the ongoing investigation
.
In total, six people were arrested during the riots. Among them are the two individuals responsible for the explosive devices: an 18-year-old accused of igniting and throwing the first device and a 19-year-old man who provided him with the second one. The individual who used pepper spray during the initial confrontation was also arrested
.
Three other people were arrested on minor charges related to disturbing public order and obstructing traffic.
The investigation continues with the participation of the NYPD and the FBI's joint anti-terrorist group, as authorities seek to fully clarify the facts. Despite the danger of the device, no injuries were reported, something that the police attributed in part to the quick reaction of the officers who secured the scene and arrested the
suspects. The series of attacks carried out against the anti-Islam demonstration was mainly directed against Lang
