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NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Conservative commentators Dave Rubin and Dan Bongino criticised CNN after the network published (and later deleted) a social media post that downplayed the arrest of two suspects accused of throwing bombs at a protest outside the New York mayor’s residence.

In separate podcasts, Rubin and Bongino argued that the network’s framing of the incident downplayed the severity of the alleged attack and focused on irrelevant details. 

The criticism followed a widely circulated post on X describing the suspects’ day in New York before their arrest.

CNN’s controversial post on NYC bombing suspects

CNN’s original post read: "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."

The message circulated widely online before being deleted, drawing criticism from conservative commentators who argued the tone focused on the suspects’ circumstances rather than the alleged bombing.

Dave Rubin takes sharp dig at CNN

Rubin read the post aloud on his show before responding with sarcasm.

"I wanted to read to you this headline from CNN,” he said. “We're gonna have to unpack it on the show as they say.”

After quoting the post, Rubin mocked its framing.

“You know, as someone that grew up outside New York City, I know often I would go on a nice spring day and occasionally bring an IED or a Molotov cocktail and toss it into the crowd near the mayor’s mansion and get glowing coverage from CNN, so… you know, what’re you gonna do?”

He later posted a similar remark on X, writing: “I remember when I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of NYC I used to always take the train to the big city with my friends and bring homemade bombs with us…”

Dan Bongino rips into CNN's for phrasing in arrest coverage

Bongino also criticised the now-deleted post, describing it as one of the worst messages he had seen from a news outlet.

“This rates up there as possibly folks one of the top 10 worst tweets I've seen of all-time, and that's saying a lot,” he said.

Referring to the introduction of CNN’s post, Bongino questioned the inclusion of weather details.

“So we had the incident where these two suspects in this case up in New York throwing a bomb at the Jake Lang protest,” he said. “What the f*** does the weather have to do with the bombing?”

He continued mocking the opening lines, suggesting the description made the situation appear trivial.

“Oh, a lot of ham sandwiches. Oh, my gosh, look at this. They were having strawberry smoothies.

“What kind of opening is this? Then it goes on. It gets even worse. How the hell could it get even worse? Because it's CNN. It always gets worse.”

Bongino also argued that the wording implied the explosive devices were directed at the mayor rather than the protest crowd that was present outside the residence.

New York bombing incident at Jake Lang's rally

Authorities say two suspects from Pennsylvania threw improvised explosive devices into a crowd gathered outside Gracie Mansion during a protest led by activist Jake Lang.

The rally was part of a demonstration called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” and took place outside the residence of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.

According to investigators, the devices ignited but caused no injuries.

Officials said the explosives contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP), along with nuts, bolts and fuses designed to cause casualties.

The suspects, identified as Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested at the scene after travelling from Pennsylvania. Authorities said one suspect shouted “ISIS” during the arrest and admitted to viewing propaganda from the militant group.

Federal prosecutors have charged the pair with offences including attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State and using a weapon of mass destruction. They appeared in court on Sunday (March 9) and were ordered held without bail ahead of a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 9.

The incident remains under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local authorities.