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Posted on 03/12/2026 5:35:43 AM PDT by Milagros
A controversy erupted online after a widely circulated news photo caption described a man holding a homemade explosive device during a protest in New York as an “activist,” despite authorities later determining the device was a functioning improvised explosive device (IED).
The image, taken by AFP photojournalist Charly Triballeau and distributed through international media outlets, appeared in coverage by ABC News of a March 7, 2026 demonstration outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor.
The caption accompanying the photo read:
“An activist holds a homemade explosive device before throwing it towards police during a protest organized by far-right influencer Jake Lang against alleged ‘Islamification,’ in front of Gracie Mansion, on March 7, 2026, in New York.”
Critics quickly seized on the wording, arguing that describing an individual preparing to throw an explosive device as an “activist” minimized the seriousness of the incident.
The demonstration had been organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang, who staged a protest opposing what he called “Islamification” and public Muslim prayer in New York. According to police, roughly 20 people attended Lang’s rally while about 125 counter-protesters gathered nearby.
Authorities say the incident escalated when a man identified as Emir Balat allegedly threw two devices near the protest and a line of police officers. Another man, Ibrahim Kayumi, was accused of handing one of the devices to Balat.
The New York City Police Department later confirmed that the object shown in the photo was not merely a firework or smoke device but a real explosive.
“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 smoke bomb. It is, in fact, an improvised explosive device (IED).”
Investigators said the device consisted of jars wrapped in tape and filled with nuts, bolts and screws—components commonly associated with improvised explosive weapons.
Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as the device flew through the air before striking a barrier near officers.
Police also said Balat shouted “Allahu akbar” during the incident, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene.
The phrasing used in the caption quickly became the focus of criticism on social media, where commentators argued the description reflected a double standard in how political violence is framed.
The account Libs of TikTok wrote on March 9 that the same media ecosystem that labels right-wing figures as extremists appeared to describe a suspected bomb thrower as merely an activist.
The criticism gained wider attention after investor Bill Ackman reposted commentary by Jaimee Michell mocking the caption and highlighting the wording from the ABC News photo description.
The post circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), where users debated whether the terminology reflected editorial bias or simply a descriptive caption written before the full details of the device were confirmed.
The photograph was credited to Triballeau, a New York–based photojournalist working for Agence France-Presse (AFP). According to his professional profile, Triballeau has previously worked in Tokyo and has had his images distributed across global outlets including Newsweek, Le Figaro, Yahoo News and other international publications.
Wire-service photographers typically supply images and captions that are then distributed to media organizations worldwide. Those captions sometimes rely on the information available at the time the image is transmitted.
The NYPD said the case is being investigated jointly with the FBI through the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Both suspects were arrested at the scene and remain in custody as authorities determine potential federal charges.
Police said the explosive device “could have caused serious injury or death.”
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Media notes - The term “activist” is reserved exclusively for those on the political left of the spectrum. Try to find any news story that referred to “the J6 activists.”
Lemme tell you how this is gonna go legally.
Alvin Bragg will give a slap on their wrists because the ordinance did not explode.
Mark my words, he will use that as an excuse.
And what that will do is embolden more to do the same.
Protests against the muslim mayor are for all intents and purposes will not be allowed.
His Passion certainly wasn’t Fashion
I consider “activist” and “Anti-American terrorist” to be almost synonyms.
.
Dude, you made a post linking to a comment on an unrelated article about an antisemitic stuporbowl ad.
“Friendly out-of-town activist enjoying the city.”
So sick of the d@m lying leftist media apparatchiks.
Of course they would be triggered by FACTS!
AFP = EuroFrogs , a bunch of TDS EuroWankers .
Looked him up. The photographer is a Frenchy with a man-bun.
Activist or Terrorist;
Really there’s not much of a difference the first goads the second into action.
In a way
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