NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The NYPD responded to the area around Gracie Mansion on Tuesday upon discovery of what the department called a "suspicious device"—only several days after authorities say two men lit a homemade explosive during a protest outside the mayor's residence in an attempted act of "ISIS-inspired terrorism."
Police confirmed at 2:40 p.m. that the "device" was determined to be "non-threatening," and the surrounding Carl Schurz Park was cleared.
Sources told 1010 WINS that what police found was a suspicious liquid, possibly in a jar, that didn't appear to be threatening.
The department thanked the public for reporting their concerns, stating: "This was an instance of everyday New Yorkers following a clear message: If you see something, say something. Call 888-NYC-SAFE."
East End Avenue between East 85th and East 87th streets, East 86th Street between York Avenue and East End Avenue and Carl Schurz Park were all temporarily closed as authorities investigated the potential threat. All locations have reopened.
The Upper East Side neighborhood has been heavily patrolled since the attempted attack on Saturday, when two men from Pennsylvania allegedly joined dueling protests in an attempt to deploy explosives.
NYPD officers respond to a suspicious package report in Carl Schurz Park, which borders Gracie Mansion, on March 10, 2026 in New York City.Ryan Murphy/Getty Images
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, told law enforcement officials after their arrest that they were inspired by the Islamic State group, according to officials and the criminal complaint.
The men are facing federal charges that include attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and using a weapon of mass destruction. They are currently being held without bail.
Dorothy, who lives nearby, told 1010 WINS that she just wanted to take a walk in the park during Tuesday's police response.
"It is a little unsettling, especially for it to continue on this many days," she said.
