Emir Balat, Ibrahim Kayumi Throw Homemade Bombs Near Gracie Mansion; NYPD Calls ISIS-Inspired Terrorism

Two men allegedly attempted to detonate homemade bombs during a Saturday protest near Gracie Mansion.

“Violence at a protest is never acceptable”

City & State New York

Authorities are treating the incident as an act of 'ISIS-inspired terrorism'.

City & State New York

The suspects, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested.

They are to be charged in federal court in Manhattan, and federal prosecutors filed a multi-count indictment.

Officials said the scene was outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence.

Officials said forensic testing identified triacetone triperoxide (TATP) in at least one device.

They described the IEDs as highly volatile and capable of causing serious injury or death.

CNN

Authorities recovered a second device.

Investigators noted one item emitted smoke or partially ignited.

Neither device fully detonated.

Law enforcement officials say the two men acknowledged inspiration from ISIS and made statements authorities have described as pledging or declaring allegiance.

“Tisch declined to discuss specific details of the ongoing investigation, citing the pending federal prosecution, but confirmed that authorities are treating the case as terrorism-related”

Fox News

One suspect allegedly said he wanted an attack "even bigger" than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Prosecutors included counts for providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The two were reported to have viewed extremist materials and, according to reports, had traveled internationally.

City and federal agencies coordinated a rapid response: the NYPD, FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the scene.

The two suspects were arrested within about an hour of arriving in New York.

Gothamist

Multiple officials praised officers for preventing greater harm.

A five‑count federal indictment includes charges such as use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted provision of material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Authorities also said they have not found an apparent link to Iran or the war overseas.

The explosive event occurred amid a small far-right "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" rally organized by activist Jake Lang.

“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

A significantly larger counterprotest was present.

Gothamist

Reports note clashes and multiple arrests at the scene.

Media outlets updated coverage as new details emerged in the days after the incident.

Local leaders emphasized that most counter-protesters remained peaceful while condemning the attempted attack.