Police Evacuate UES Park Amid Bomb Plot Investigation

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Carl Schurz Park and its surroundings were evacuated by police on Tuesday morning, following a report of a suspicious package that turned out to be non-life-threatening, according to the New York City Police Department.

The evacuation, which started around 12 p.m. Tuesday, was lifted around 2:40 p.m. when the package inside the park was determined to be non-hazardous, police said.

"The NYPD responded immediately and secured the area. Thankfully, the device has been determined to be non-threatening," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.

The investigation comes just four days after two suspects threw handmade bombs at protestors on Saturday outside Gracie Mansion, which were confirmed Monday to be "ISIS-inspired" attacks, New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

"I’m relieved that today’s report of a suspicious device in Carl Schurz Park has been cleared by the NYPD," Upper East Side Councilmember Julie Menin said. "Over the past four days, our district has endured an alarming series of incidents: multiple suspicious devices and an attempted act of terrorism outside of Gracie Mansion. This has been an incredibly difficult and unsettling time for our community."

Both suspects from Saturday's attempted attack — Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19 — were arrested and accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS using a weapon of mass destruction, as well as transporting explosive materials, interstate transportation and receipt of explosive materials, and unlawful possession of destructive devices, officials said Monday.

East End Avenue between East 85th and East 87th Street, as well as East 86th Street between York Avenue and East End Avenue, was blocked off to pedestrians and all traffic as the investigation unfolded on Tuesday afternoon.

"To ensure our community remains safe, we encourage everyone to follow the NYPD’s guidance and stay away from the area," Upper East Side Councilmember Julie Menin said when the investigation was underway.

The area is once again open to the public.

This is a developing story and will be updated. For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.