Crime09 March, 20262 min read
Emir Balat, Ibrahim Kayumi Throw Homemade Bombs Near Gracie Mansion; NYPD Calls ISIS-Inspired Terrorism
Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi threw homemade explosive devices near Gracie Mansion during a protest Authorities are investigating the incident as ISIS-inspired terrorism and treating it as terrorism-related
Gracie Mansion bomb attempt
Two men allegedly attempted to detonate homemade bombs during a Saturday protest near Gracie Mansion. Authorities are treating the incident as an act of 'ISIS-inspired terrorism'. The suspects, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, were arrested.
“Two men allegedly attempted to detonate homemade bombs during a Saturday protest near Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side and investigators are treating the incident as an ‘act of ISIS-inspired terrorism,’ Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.”
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.
Forensic findings on IEDs
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. Authorities recovered a second device.
Investigators noted one item emitted smoke or partially ignited. Neither device fully detonated.
Alleged ISIS-inspired plot
Law enforcement officials say the two men acknowledged inspiration from ISIS and made statements authorities have described as pledging or declaring allegiance. One suspect allegedly said he wanted an attack "even bigger" than the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
“Both defendants allegedly declared allegiance to Islamic State; Balat said he wanted the attack to be ‘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.
New York response and charges
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. 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.
NYC rally explosion and response
The explosive event occurred amid a small far-right "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" rally organized by activist Jake Lang. A significantly larger counterprotest was present. Reports note clashes and multiple arrests at the scene.
“The sparsely attended ‘Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City’ event was led by far‑right activist Jake Lang; a much larger group of counterdemonstrators confronted the rally.”
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.