A large law enforcement presence was seen Sunday afternoon at the home of one of the two Pennsylvania men who were arrested after explosive devices were ignited outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s residence the day prior, during clashes between protesters.
Terrorism Investigation Launched
The FBI launched a terrorism investigation after the explosive devices were ignited, allegedly by a counter-protester. Emir Balat, 18 and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, both from Pennsylvania, were arrested after the protest but have not yet been charged.
Clashes Stem From Organized Protests
On Saturday, an anti-Islam protest near Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor’s official residence, was organized by people associated with Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter and far-right influencer, according to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch. A counterprotest, called “Run the Nazis Out of New York City/Stand Against Hate,” also gathered at the same location with more than 100 people in attendance.
According to Tisch, Balat lit and threw an ignited device toward protesters. Witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke as the device traveled through the air before striking a barrier a few feet from police officers.
In a video from the scene, a man appears to yell “Allahu Akbar” — or “God is Most Great” — just as Balat throws the device. The CBS News Confirmed Team verified the videos, but it is not clear from the videos who was shouting the words.
Tisch stated that Balat then ran southbound and obtained a second device from Kayumi. Balat allegedly lit the second device and ran with it before dropping it on East End Avenue between East 86th and East 87th streets.
Devices Classified as Improvised Explosives
Tisch said Sunday that one of the devices was determined to be an improvised explosive device (IED) that could have caused serious injury or death. Law enforcement sources confirmed a federal terrorism investigation is underway.
The devices were described as being a bit smaller than a football, appearing to be a jar wrapped in tape with nuts, bolts, and screws, along with a hobby fuse.
Law Enforcement Activity in Pennsylvania
A large law enforcement presence was observed around Balat’s address in Langhorne, Bucks County, Sunday. Officers with tactical gear had their guns drawn in the area of Durnam and Frosty Hollow roads. A spokesperson indicated Balat is a student in the Neshaminy School District.
The FBI announced on a megaphone, “This is the FBI, everybody come out,” and three people were seen exiting the home. A woman who answered the door at Balat’s home declined to provide additional information.
Newtown Township police were assisting the FBI with the investigation Sunday afternoon, and residents were advised of a potential large law enforcement presence in the area of Stoopville Road and Clymer Street.
The FBI confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that it was conducting “court authorized law enforcement activity” in the area but did not provide further details.
Another suspicious device was found inside a vehicle on East End Avenue, about three blocks south of Gracie Mansion, prompting evacuations while the Bomb Squad assessed and removed the device.
Additional Arrest in Philadelphia
A Philadelphia man was among those charged after protesters clashed outside Mayor Mamdani’s residence Saturday, according to NYPD sources. Ian McGinnis, 21, of Philadelphia, was charged with assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of a noxious material (pepper spray). NYPD sources said McGinnis was allegedly captured on video using pepper spray on counter-protesters during protests called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City.” Three other people were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the protests near Gracie Mansion?
An anti-Islam protest organized by people associated with Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter and far-right influencer, sparked the protests near Gracie Mansion, according to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
What has been the law enforcement response?
The FBI launched a terrorism investigation after explosive devices were ignited. Law enforcement activity was also reported in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, related to the investigation.
Have any charges been filed?
Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were arrested but have not yet been charged. Ian McGinnis, from Philadelphia, was charged with assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of a noxious material.
As investigations continue, what impact will these events have on future protests and security measures in New York City?
