Photo via Reuters
(New York, New York) – Two suspects have been arrested near Gracie Mansion after authorities say they were allegedly planning an explosive attack that prosecutors claim could have been “bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.”
According to investigators, the suspects were taken into custody after law enforcement discovered explosive devices connected to the plot near the Upper East Side residence of New York City’s mayor.
Officials say the case is being investigated as ISIS-inspired terrorism, though authorities emphasized that the situation was contained before anyone was harmed.
“No civilians were injured and both suspects are now in custody,” officials confirmed.
Law enforcement sources say the suspects allegedly intended to carry out a large-scale bombing attack, with prosecutors describing the planned operation as potentially more destructive than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured more than 260.
The arrests come after heightened tensions surrounding protests and demonstrations near Gracie Mansion in recent days. Police have increased security in the area while investigators work to determine whether the suspects had additional accomplices or materials tied to the alleged plot.
Authorities have not yet released full details about the explosives or how close the suspects were to carrying out the attack. Federal and local law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate.
Officials say more information will likely be released as the investigation develops.
