Federal authorities are investigating after an improvised explosive device was thrown during clashes between protesters and counterprotesters outside Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor’s official residence. The device, filled with metal fragments and capable of causing serious injury, did not detonate, and two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.
During a recent interview, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., said the attack underscored the need for stronger law enforcement support and a more forceful response from city leadership. “It’s absolutely serious, and it needs to be taken seriously,” she stated. “The mayor should have been more forceful in condemning these terrorists, properly identifying it as radical Islam and the association with ISIS.”
Malliotakis expressed concern that Mayor Zohran Mamdani initially focused on protesters rather than the suspects who allegedly attempted the attack. “The fact that he could not do that and focused more on the protesters who were utilizing their First Amendment instead of these terrorists who tried to kill people is a real problem,” she said. “And it makes me nervous for the future of New York City.”
Investigators noted that the device used in the incident resembled explosives commonly employed in past ISIS-inspired attacks, though the investigation remains ongoing and authorities have not publicly confirmed any terrorist group affiliation.
Malliotakis also criticized policies she described as weakening public safety, stating: “We have a mayor right now who led the defund the police movement. He is restricting any cooperation between the NYPD and ICE to deport people who are here illegally — who may want to conduct nefarious activities or have conducted criminal activities.”
She further raised concerns about staffing and funding levels for the NYPD as the city approaches the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. “It’s very concerning that he’s cutting overtime for our cops,” Malliotakis said. “He doesn’t want to hire the 5,000 cops that we need because we are well below the numbers we had on September 11, 2001.”
Malliotakis praised the actions of law enforcement responding to the incident, referencing a widely shared image showing an NYPD officer rushing toward the explosive device. “That man is a hero,” she said. “And that’s what the NYPD, our FDNY, our first responders do each and every day in New York City. They put their life on the line to keep us safe.”
Malliotakis emphasized the importance of backing law enforcement: “The NYPD deserves more respect from our mayor, from Democrat elected officials. It’s a tragedy that they are always trying to demonize them, take away their resources, and handcuff them to make it harder for them to do their job.”
Mayor Mamdani, who took office in January after winning the 2025 mayoral election, is the city’s first Muslim mayor and previously served in the New York State Assembly before running on a progressive platform focused on affordability and social programs.
Authorities confirmed no injuries were reported in the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
