Evacuations Ordered As Investigation Unfolds Hours After Explosive Device Confirmed In Violent Protest Outside Gracie Mansion

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 5:45 P.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

MANHATTAN, NY.- The New York City Police Department’s Bomb Squad evacuated several buildings on Manhattan’s Upper East Side Sunday as officers investigated what authorities described as a potential explosive device discovered inside a parked vehicle, an incident that comes less than 24 hours after police confirmed that a device thrown during protests near Gracie Mansion was a real improvised explosive capable of causing serious injury or death.

     According to NYPD officials, officers responded Sunday afternoon to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of East End Avenue and East 88th Street, a residential area just blocks from Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s mayor. Out of what police described as “an abundance of caution,” members of the NYPD Bomb Squad and Emergency Service Unit ordered the evacuation of nearby residential buildings while technicians examined the vehicle.

     Police temporarily closed portions of East End Avenue between East 87th Street and East 90th Street, as well as adjacent sections of York Avenue and East 88th Street, creating a perimeter around the investigation scene. Residents were instructed to remain outside the cordoned area while bomb technicians deployed specialized equipment to inspect the vehicle.

     Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the object discovered inside the vehicle is an explosive device. However, the heavy police response reflects heightened security concerns following the discovery that a device used during demonstrations Saturday near Gracie Mansion was a legitimate improvised explosive device (IED).

Explosive Device Confirmed At Protest;

     The NYPD confirmed Sunday that a device thrown during a volatile protest outside Gracie Mansion on Saturday was not a smoke bomb or fireworks as initially suspected, but an improvised explosive capable of causing severe injuries or death.

     The protest unfolded along East 88th Street near East End Avenue, where opposing groups gathered outside the mayor’s residence. One demonstration was reportedly organized by activist Jake Lang, while a larger group of counter-protesters assembled nearby.

     During the confrontation, an explosive device, described by investigators as a container filled with nuts, bolts, and screws and fitted with a fuse, was ignited and thrown toward the crowd. The device failed to fully detonate but was deemed capable of causing serious harm.

     NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch later confirmed the device was “not a hoax” and posed a legitimate threat to public safety.

     Authorities said officers quickly moved in to secure the scene and detain suspects.

Suspects Charged;

     Two individuals have been charged in connection with the explosive device incident:

     • Emir Balat, 18, of Pennsylvania
     • Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, also of Pennsylvania

     Police allege the pair were involved in throwing explosive devices during the protest.

     Both men were taken into custody after officers intervened during the chaotic confrontation. Investigators say additional devices may have been involved, and forensic analysis is underway to determine their construction and origin.

     Federal authorities, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, are assisting the NYPD with the ongoing investigation.

     In total, six individuals were arrested during the protests as police attempted to separate opposing groups and restore order outside the mayor’s residence.

Mayor Condemns Violence;

     New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the use of explosives during the protest, describing the act as both reckless and criminal.

     City officials said neither the mayor nor his family were injured in the incident, and it remains unclear whether they were present inside Gracie Mansion when the device was thrown.

     Law enforcement officials emphasized that the rapid police response likely prevented a far more serious incident. 

Ongoing Investigation;

     Sunday’s discovery of a suspicious vehicle on the Upper East Side prompted heightened security measures as investigators worked to determine whether it may be connected to the protest violence.

     Bomb technicians continued to examine the vehicle late Sunday while police maintained road closures and a security perimeter in the surrounding residential blocks.

     Authorities have not announced whether additional arrests are expected. 

Editor’s Note:

This report was written by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, and allinformation in this report is based on statements from the New York City Police Department, city officials, and multiple confirmed news reports as of late Sunday afternoon. The investigation into the explosive device discovered during the Gracie Mansion protests and the suspicious vehicle on the Upper East Side remains ongoing. Charges against the suspects are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Photos courtesy of the New York Times.