New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to ring in his inauguration with a public block party open to residents on January 1.

But alongside the celebration, the Democratic socialist has also released a lengthy list of items barred from the event, some expected, others raising eyebrows.

While weapons, explosives, and illegal substances are banned, the list also prohibits strollers, Flipper Zero devices and Raspberry Pis, two pieces of consumer technology that are legal and widely used.

The former is a small handheld gadget that can interact with wireless signals such as key fobs, RFID cards and Bluetooth devices, often described as a Swiss Army knife for hacking. 

A Raspberry Pi, meanwhile, is a tiny, low-cost computer commonly used for coding, electronics projects and basic software.

Both devices feature programmable input-output pins that could, in theory, be connected to external components and misused to interfere with equipment or cause harm. 

However, tech experts noted that explicitly banning these niche devices is unusual, especially given that laptops, which are far more powerful and versatile, are not restricted.

The ban list has since flooded social media, leaving many users stunned. One wrote: 'According to Zohran Mamdani, the following items all belong in the same category: Illegal substances, weapons, explosives and Raspberry Pi.'

Another added: 'The stroller is the most insane to me as it looks like he's anti-baby.'

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is set to ring in his inauguration with a public block party open to residents on January 1

Mamdani set up a website dedicated to the event, providing FAQs to help attendees.

One section, 'What should I wear and what should I bring,' lists the prohibited items.

Attendees are encouraged to check the weather forecast and dress warmly, with hats, scarves, gloves, and hand and toe warmers strongly recommended.

Small bags or backpacks containing personal items will be permitted, though all bags are subject to search, and large bags or backpacks are not allowed.

Guests may bring thermoses filled with warm, non-alcoholic beverages as well as snacks, and are urged to show respect for fellow New Yorkers.

The prohibited items list includes large bags and backpacks, weapons, fireworks or explosives, drones or other remote-controlled aerial devices, strollers, coolers, chairs, blankets, umbrellas, bicycles or scooters, alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, pets other than service animals, large items that could obstruct spectators' views, laser pens, bats or batons, as well as Flipper Zero devices and Raspberry Pi computers.

One X user commented on the list, posting: 'The inauguration of Zohran Mamdani has banned… Raspberry Pis. Not a joke. For all of you who were hoping to bring your small, Linux-powered ARM computer to the New York City mayoral inauguration… Zohran says, "Not so fast! No Raspberry Pi for you!"'