New York, March 8 (NationPress) Six people were apprehended following the launch of smoking projectiles containing bolts and screws outside the residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani amidst an anti-Muslim protest.

Authorities reported that tensions heightened on Saturday (local time) during a rally organized by far-right activist Jake Lang.

Police confirmed that neither Mayor Mamdani nor his wife were home during the protest. A spokesperson for the mayor denounced the demonstration, labeling it as “Islamophobic and highly offensive.”

Lang had urged supporters to join a protest titled “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City,” which attracted a modest crowd of about 20 individuals. Many attendees were seen wearing hats and sweatshirts emblazoned with the American flag and the word “Freedom,” a phrase linked to conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

As the event unfolded, over 100 counterprotesters gathered nearby, chanting slogans and confronting Lang's supporters. The atmosphere quickly deteriorated as both factions engaged in heated arguments.

Witnesses noted that the first signs of violence erupted when one of Lang’s backers used pepper spray against counterprotesters, resulting in irritation and tears among several people. This incident sparked further chaos, leading to pushing and fistfights within the crowd, with protesters throwing eggs at each other amid the growing tension.

The situation escalated when a counterprotester reportedly threw two smoking devices into the crowd. One landed on East 87th Street and ignited briefly, causing panic as attendees scrambled to evacuate the area.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the devices appeared to be jars wrapped in tape filled with items such as nuts, bolts, and screws, along with what she described as a “hobby fuse.” Each device was slightly smaller than a football. Bomb squad experts were called in to assess whether the objects were genuine explosives or improvised dummies.

Police confirmed the arrest of six individuals in connection with the unrest. Among those detained was 18-year-old Emir Balat, accused of throwing the devices, and 19-year-old Ibrahim Nikk, alleged to have supplied one. Additionally, 21-year-old Ian McGinnis was taken into custody for reportedly using pepper spray on counterprotesters.

Authorities noted that the specific charges against Balat and Nikk were still being reviewed as investigations into the devices continued. McGinnis was anticipated to face a charge of reckless endangerment.

Even after the immediate threat diminished, the atmosphere in the neighborhood remained charged. Protesters continued to chant, beat drums, and hurl objects, including food, while nearby residents and passersby sought refuge in local stores, unsure of the turmoil's cause.

This protest unfolded against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in the United States, where recent demonstrations and counterprotests in various cities have turned confrontational. Jake Lang, who previously participated in the January 6 United States Capitol attack, has been associated with several contentious rallies in recent months.