Two men from Pennsylvania have been arrested after police say improvised explosive devices were thrown near protesters outside Gracie Mansion in Manhattan during a demonstration Saturday.

The suspects, identified as Ibraham Kayumi, 19, and Emir Balat, 18, were taken into custody following the incident. Authorities said the devices were later determined to be improvised explosive devices capable of causing serious harm.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident Monday during a press conference outside Gracie Mansion, appearing alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

“They are suspected of coming here to commit an act of terrorism,” Mamdani said during the briefing.

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He also referenced video footage that investigators say captured the incident.

“There’s video of these two individuals throwing two devices towards the protest. The police department has determined that these were improvised explosive devices made to injure, maim, or worse.”

Mamdani added that anyone attempting to bring violence into the city would face legal consequences.

“Let me say this plainly anyone who comes to New York City to bring violence to our streets will be held accountable in accordance with the law.”

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The mayor also criticized the demonstration that had drawn protesters and counterprotesters to the area outside the mayor’s official residence.

“This was a vile protest rooted in white supremacy,” Mamdani said at the top of his prepared remarks Monday.

“I’m the first Muslim mayor of our city, anti-Muslim bigotry is nothing new to me, nor is it anything new for the 1 million or so Muslim New Yorkers,” he said, adding, “While I found this protest appalling, I will not waver in my belief that it should be allowed to happen.”

The incident took place during a protest organized by right-wing activist Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion. The demonstration was promoted under the name “Stop the Islamification of NYC.”

Police said Kayumi and Balat traveled to Manhattan to participate in a counterprotest against Lang’s demonstration.

According to investigators, the two men threw explosive devices near protesters during the confrontation.

Initial reports from officers responding to the scene suggested the objects may have been homemade smoke devices. However, further analysis by the NYPD Bomb Squad determined the devices were improvised explosive devices.

“These were not hoax devices, nor smoke devices, “Tisch said.

“It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.”

Investigators said the devices were constructed using triacetone triperoxide, commonly known as TATP.

The explosive compound has been widely referenced by investigators in terrorism cases and is sometimes referred to as “Mother of Satan” because of its volatility.

Authorities said the devices did not detonate during the incident.

During the investigation, officers also located a third device inside a black 2010 Honda connected to the suspects. The vehicle was parked on East End Avenue between East 81st Street and East 82nd Street.

Bomb squad technicians used a robot to remove the device from the vehicle.

According to Commissioner Tisch, the device later tested negative for explosive material.

Law enforcement officials said the investigation is being treated as a terrorism-related case.

Tisch confirmed during the press conference that authorities are examining the incident as “ISIS-inspired terrorism.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation assumed control of the investigation on Sunday. Federal agents executed search warrants at homes connected to the suspects in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, located just outside Philadelphia.

Authorities said the two suspects are expected to face federal charges connected to the alleged attack.

Officials indicated that the charges would be unsealed later Monday as the investigation continues.

The incident remains under active investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies.

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