ISIS-Inspired Bomb Plot Outside NYC Mayor’s Mansion Leads To Federal Charges
Federal authorities have charged two Pennsylvania men with terrorism-related offenses after an alleged ISIS-inspired attack outside the official residence of Zohran Mamdani in New York City.
The suspects, identified as Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, were arrested Saturday near Gracie Mansion after allegedly throwing improvised explosive devices toward a group of protesters gathered outside the property.
According to reporting from The Daily Caller, law enforcement officials say the attack was driven by extremist ideology tied to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“This was not random violence. This was a planned attack motivated by extremist ideology and inspired by a violent foreign terrorist organization,” said Jessica Tisch.
Authorities say both suspects admitted their actions were connected to ISIS during questioning. Kayumi allegedly told investigators that he had watched ISIS propaganda videos on his phone and was partly inspired by the terrorist group.
Police also said Balat later pledged allegiance to ISIS in writing while in custody. According to investigators, he told authorities he wanted to carry out an attack larger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured hundreds.
Federal prosecutors in New York announced charges Monday against the pair.
Both men face multiple federal counts, including attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction. Additional charges include transportation of explosive materials, interstate transportation and receipt of explosives, and unlawful possession of destructive devices.
Mayor Mamdani said surveillance footage captured the suspects throwing two explosive devices toward demonstrators gathered outside Gracie Mansion.
Federal investigators said the devices contained explosive materials and fragmentation designed to cause severe injuries or fatalities.
“Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi have been charged with committing a heinous act of terrorism and proclaiming their allegiance to ISIS. They should be held fully accountable for their actions,” Mamdani said.
“We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city,” he added.
The incident occurred during a protest outside Gracie Mansion reportedly organized by individuals associated with right-wing commentator Jake Lang, according to CBS News. Lang was previously pardoned for his involvement in the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
Authorities said more than 100 counterprotesters were also gathered nearby when the attack occurred.
Law enforcement officials say the suspects were angered by the anti-Islam protest and allegedly arrived carrying homemade explosive devices intended to cause harm.
According to police, the bombs were constructed using sports drink bottles filled with explosive material and placed inside glass jars. Investigators say the devices were packed with fragmentation components such as nuts and bolts to increase the potential for casualties.
The explosives reportedly used hobby-style fuses connected to M80-type fireworks.
Preliminary testing revealed that at least one device contained triacetone triperoxide (TATP) — a highly unstable explosive often used in terrorist plots. TATP is typically synthesized from acetone and hydrogen peroxide and has been used in several past attacks.
Investigators said the first device thrown by Balat struck a barrier near a crosswalk and extinguished only a few feet from police officers.
Videos reviewed by investigators captured the chaotic moments before the device was thrown. Authorities said a man could be heard shouting “Allahu Akbar” shortly before the explosive was ignited and hurled toward the crowd.
Police later discovered another suspicious device Sunday inside a vehicle parked roughly three blocks from Gracie Mansion.
The discovery triggered precautionary evacuations of nearby buildings while bomb squad technicians assessed and safely removed the device. Commissioner Tisch said the vehicle was linked to the suspects.
Inside the car, investigators reportedly recovered handwritten notes referencing TATP along with chemical ingredients believed to be used in constructing the explosives.
The device was secured and removed for additional testing.
The investigation is now being led by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Authorities have executed search warrants at the suspects’ homes in Pennsylvania and conducted a court-authorized search of a storage unit tied to the pair as investigators work to determine whether others may have been involved.