Police in New York City are investigating an incident Saturday in which a counterprotester threw an explosive device at participants in an anti-Islam demonstration near the mayor's residence at Gracie Mansion.

The confrontation began when someone from the "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" protest used pepper spray on counterprotesters, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. In response, a counterprotester lit and threw a device described as smaller than a football into the crowd of about 20 anti-Islam protesters.

The device, wrapped in black tape and containing nuts, bolts and screws along with a hobby fuse, struck a barrier and extinguished itself a few feet from police officers, Tisch said. The same person then ran and received a second device from another individual, which was subsequently dropped. Police said it remained unclear whether the devices were functional or hoax items.

Three people were arrested in connection with the incident, and no injuries were reported. Mayor Zohran Mamdani was not believed to be at the residence during the confrontation.

The anti-Islam protest was associated with conservative influencer Jake Lang, who previously received clemency from President Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Lang had been charged with assaulting an officer with a baseball bat and civil disorder before receiving the presidential pardon. He recently announced a campaign for U.S. Senate in Florida.

The counterprotest drew approximately 125 people at its peak, significantly outnumbering the anti-Islam demonstration. Police continue to investigate the incident as tensions between the opposing groups escalated throughout the morning.