CNN gets backlash on social media post about IEDs thrown during protest in New York City

WASHINGTON (TNND) — CNN is facing backlash for a now deleted post on X when discussing the individuals who threw an improvised explosive device during a protest in New York City over the weekend.

The tweet, which is now deleted, reads, “Two Pennsylvania teenagers crossed into New York City Saturday morning for what could’ve been a normal day enjoying the city during abnormally warm weather. But in less than an hour, their lives would drastically change as the pair would be arrested for throwing homemade bombs during an anti-Muslim protest outside of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home. Here’s what we know so far.”

Over the weekend, there was a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” event that was held by far-right activist Jake Lang outside of Mamdani’s house.

A counterprotest broke out where one demonstrator threw an improvised explosive device during the demonstration.

Two people were taken into custody as a result.

CNN deleted the tweet and posted an explanation as to why.

“A post regarding the two individuals arrested for throwing homemade bombs outside of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home failed to reflect the gravity of the incident thereby breaching the editorial standards we require for all our reporting,” the post reads. “It has therefore been deleted.”

This resulted in backlash from many on X, including the Rapid Response 47 account.

“No, they’re radical Islamic terrorists who threw an IED at a protest,” the account said. “We don’t do that in America.”

Fox News corespondent Bill Melugin weighed in.

“Some of the media headlines that have been coming out of this attempted ISIS terror attack are wild,” he said.

Missouri GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt said CNN’s headline was wrong.

“CNN got this headline wrong,” he said.

“It should be: “Two radical Islamic terrorists came to NYC pledging allegiance to ISIS with bombs meant to kill Americans.”