Emir Balat And Ibrahim Kayumi Attack Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Home With IEDs In ISIS-Inspired Plot

Federal and city authorities say two Pennsylvania teenagers, identified as Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi, were charged after improvised explosive devices were thrown near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during duelling demonstrations on Saturday.

“Get the news, your way Sign in for podcasts, documentaries and analysis Sign in orRegister Maybe later Video shows suspect in foiled attack near Mamdani's NYC residence Video shows suspect in foiled attack near Mamdani's NYC residenceClose New York officials and the FBI have launched an investigation into "an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism", following the attempted use of two homemade explosives near the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Saturday”

BBC

Officials described the incident as an ISIS-inspired act and said the devices were used near the mayor's home; video showed a suspect detained after one device smoked and failed to detonate.

BBC

Authorities say one device emitted smoke but did not detonate.

Witnesses and police video captured the moment a suspect was detained after lighting a device.

CBS News

Prosecutors and investigators recovered multiple devices and bomb‑making materials.

Officials said one device contained the highly unstable explosive TATP and that the devices included fuses and shrapnel elements.

Two men, identified in court filings as 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested after one device began smoking.

“The actions of two men who deployed two explosive devices against an anti-Muslim protest were being “investigated as an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday”

City & State New York

They face multiple federal counts, including attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and use of a weapon of mass destruction.

Local reporting lists additional charges such as transportation and interstate receipt of explosive materials and unlawful possession of destructive devices.

Both remain jailed as proceedings continue.

Investigators say statements and other evidence indicate an "ISIS-inspired" motive, but they are probing whether the pair acted on directives or were self-radicalized online.

The complaint includes alleged references to ISIS, an alleged written pledge of allegiance, and shouted references during arrest.

Clarín

Law enforcement cautioned that "supporting ISIS" in the complaint does not necessarily mean direct contact with the group.

City leaders and investigators condemned the attempt.

“Investigators are treating a chaotic incident where two men allegedly attempted to detonate homemade bombs during a protest near Gracie Mansion over the weekend as an “act of ISIS-inspired terrorism,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday, referring to the Islamic State group”

Gothamist

They said they will hold the suspects to account and keep the city on heightened alert.

Gothamist

Mayor Mamdani and other officials described the rally and the attempted attack in strongly critical terms and emphasized protection of peaceful protest.

The FBI and federal prosecutors are treating the case as attempted terrorism.

The defendants have sought protective custody while the legal process proceeds.