New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism over his response to a weekend incident in which two men allegedly threw improvised explosive devices at police officers and demonstrators outside Gracie Mansion, the mayoral residence. The attack occurred during an anti-Islam protest near the residence. Authorities say two suspects allegedly tossed homemade explosive devices toward officers and protesters. According to police, the devices failed to detonate properly, preventing what could have been a far more serious incident. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch later confirmed the seriousness of the threat after the department’s bomb squad examined one of the devices. “The NYPD Bomb Squad has conducted a preliminary analysis of a device that was ignited and deployed at a protest yesterday and has determined that it is not a hoax device or a smoke bomb,” Tisch said. “It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device that could have caused serious injury or death.” Officials said the devices were reportedly packed with shrapnel and an explosive substance sometimes referred to as “Mother of Satan.” Authorities also said one suspect allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the incident. The suspects are believed to have sympathies with ISIS, according to reports. Despite the seriousness of the attack, critics say Mamdani’s initial statement focused primarily on condemning the protest itself rather than the alleged perpetrators. In his statement, the mayor first denounced what he described as a “white supremacist” protest outside Gracie Mansion. “Such hate has no place in New York City,” Mamdani said. “It is an affront to our city’s values and the unity that defines who we are.” He later added that “violence at a protest is never acceptable.” The order of those remarks quickly sparked backlash from critics who argue the mayor downplayed the attempted bombing and failed to address the ideology of the suspects. Supporters of Mamdani have defended his comments, saying he was condemning both the rhetoric of the demonstration and the violence that followed. Law enforcement officials have continued to emphasize the seriousness of the attack. Police said the explosive devices, if they had functioned as intended, could have caused severe injuries or fatalities among officers and civilians gathered nearby. The investigation into the suspects and their possible ideological motivations remains ongoing. Federal authorities are also involved, and officials have not yet announced whether terrorism-related charges will be filed.