Device ignited at Gracie Mansion protest was an improvised explosive, NYPD says During Saturday’s concurrent demonstrations in New York City, a projectile hurled beyond Gracie Mansion was identified as an improvised explosive device, officials confirmed. Two individuals were apprehended after one of two devices was activated during an anti-Islam rally spearheaded by conservative figure Jake Lang and a counterprotest nearby, which functions as the mayor’s official residence. At the time of the incident, the nature of the objects and their risk to public safety were not yet clear. The FBI representative stated that the two detained men are under federal supervision, where they are undergoing questioning by both federal agents and the NYPD. Law enforcement from federal and local agencies is examining the situation as a possible act of terrorism, citing a statement from one of the suspects who mentioned ISIS during interviews, as disclosed by multiple sources connected to the case. “Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were arrested on scene yesterday and are in custody in connection with this matter,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted in a post on X. Additional analysis of both devices is underway, she added. Officials are also collaborating with federal prosecutors to explore the case further. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim, was inside the mansion during the event. He praised the swift response of law enforcement and emphasized his close coordination with Tisch on the investigation. In a Sunday statement, he denounced the original protest organized by Lang, whom he labeled a white supremacist, as an example of prejudice. “This kind of hatred has no place in New York City,” Mamdani asserted. “What followed was even more alarming. Using an explosive to harm others is not just a crime—it is a direct challenge to our values,” he added. The Lang-led demonstration outside Gracie Mansion was titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer,” according to police. It attracted around 20 participants. However, the counterprotest saw approximately 125 demonstrators at its height. Both groups were initially kept in separate zones when the protests began at 11 a.m., but tensions rose within an hour. At 12:15 p.m., a protester from Lang’s group sprayed pepper gas at the opposing crowd and was detained. Shortly after 12:30 p.m., an 18-year-old counterprotester “lit and hurled an ignited device toward the protest area,” Tisch reported. The two suspects, both from Pennsylvania, are being questioned by authorities who are also visiting their homes and reviewing their electronic devices, sources said. The NYPD’s bomb squad is investigating a nearby parking area where the suspects are believed to have parked their vehicle, as per three informed sources. This search aims to identify any additional explosives, serving as a precautionary measure. The incident took place during the holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic calendar’s ninth month, which involves fasting from sunrise to sunset globally. This period is traditionally dedicated to introspection and spiritual unity, commemorating the Quran’s first revelations to Prophet Muhammad. Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her. Jonathan Dienst serves as chief justice contributor for NBC News and chief investigative reporter for WNBC-TV in New York. Tom Winter is NBC’s National Law Enforcement and Intelligence Correspondent.

As questions grow over who funded the York sisters’ lavish lifestyles, how a Libyan gun smuggler was invited to Eugenie’s wedding, while bride Beatrice received ‘£750,000 as a gift’ from Turkish millionairess Royal Weddings and Financial Speculation A recent publication has unveiled intriguing details about the financial arrangements surrounding Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice’s extravagant weddings, reigniting debates about the Duke of York’s personal finances. The book Entitled by historian Andrew Lownie highlights connections between the royal family and several high-profile figures, raising eyebrows about the sources of their daughters’ opulent spending habits. Unveiling the Guest List Among the attendees at Eugenie’s 2018 nuptials was Tarek Kaituni, a former Libyan weapons trafficker known for gifting her a £18,000 diamond necklace on her 21st birthday. Meanwhile, Turkish billionaire Nebahat Isbilen was reportedly linked to a £750,000 transfer to the Duke’s private account, allegedly earmarked for Beatrice’s ceremony. These lavish contributions have fueled further scrutiny. “Sarah had been brought on to help with foreign expansion, but it appeared this led to Dr. Hon ‘bankrolling the royals,’ with him charging some £3million in expenses which included £8,000 for tea with the Duchess of York – and, as a Judge pointed out, ‘That is not the purpose for which these small Chinese investors paid their money in to the company.’” Dr. Johnny Hon, a Hong Kong-based tycoon, was familiar with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who had joined his venture capital firm Gate Ventures as a non-executive director the year before. However, tensions arose when Chinese investors contested the company’s practices, alleging misleading information about loans to Ginger & Moss, a firm founded by the Duchess. Of the £24million raised from shareholders, £19million was claimed to have been “lost.” Later reports revealed unusual financial dealings at Gate, including a loan to Manuel Fernandez’s company, vVoosh, and transactions with offshore entities. Hon defended these expenses, stating, “All activities charged to the company were ‘for the benefit of Gate and were legitimate business expenses.’” He also insisted, “No part of the spending was for my personal benefit or personal enjoyment. It was hard, often exhausting, but necessary work.” Isbilen’s legal battle against Turk, who was accused of misusing £40million, added another layer to the narrative. A £750,000 payment to the Duke’s account in 2019 was cited as one of her claims, with Turk asserting it was for helping her secure a Turkish passport. Andrew’s office, however, described the transaction as a gift for the wedding, leaving its ultimate use ambiguous. The timing of the payment, just nine days after Turk won an award at Pitch@Palace for his digital bank concept, prompted critics to call the event “appalling.” This sequence of events has deepened suspicions about the financial ties between the Duke and these influential figures, casting a spotlight on the mysterious funding of the royal sisters’ lives.